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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIl^ 



THE REV. ALEXANDER GRISWOLD CUMMINS, A.M.. Litt.D. 

Instituted Rector of Christ Church 
December 2d, 1900 



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POUGHKEEPSIE 

NEW YORK 



EDITED BT 

HELEN WILKINSON REYNOLDS 




PUBLISHED BY THE WARDENS AND VESTRYMEN 

DPON THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OP THE INSTITUTION OF THE RECTOR 

THE REVEREND ALEXANDER GRISWOLD CUMMINS, A.M., Litt.D. 



POUGHKEEPSIE 

FHANK B. HOWARD 

1911 



CONTENTS 

PART I 

1755-1810 

Chapter I; 1755-1762 Page 1 

The Visits to Dutchess County of the Rev. Samuel Seabury, 
Missionary from the Venerable Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts. 

Chapter II; 1763-1777 Page 12 

The Rectorate of the Rev. John Beardsley. The Purchase of the 
Glebe. The Charter of Incorporation. The Erection of the First 
Church Building. The Removal of the Rector by Order of the 
Council of Safety. Names of Contributors to the Rector's Salary, 
1766-1775. 

Chapter IH; 1777-1787 Page 55 

From the Removal of Mr. Beardsley, the First Rector, to the 
Arrival of Mr. Van Dyck, the Second. The Revolution. The 
Glebe. Pewing the Church. The Arbitration with Trinity 
Church, Fishkill. 

Chapter IV; 1787-1798 Page 78 

The Organization of the Episcopal Church in the United States. 
The Relation of Christ Church to Extra-Parochial Conditions. 
The Debt on the Church Building. The Sale of the Glebe. Set- 
tlement with Trinity Church, Fishkill. Lawsuits with Trespass- 
ers on the Glebe. Short Rectorates. The Bell. The Steeple. 
Adoption of New Seal. Name of Corporation Altered. Vestry 
By-Laws. Episcopalians at Red Hook. St. Ann's Church, 
Beekman. Changes in Congregation of Christ Church. Gift 
from Trinity Church, New York City. Names of Pewholders, 
1785-1798. 
Chapter V; 1798-1810 Page 103 

The Purchase of a Parsonage. The Rectorate of the Rev. 
Philander Chase. The Organization of St. Peter's Church, 
Lithgow. The Parish Register. Diocesan Convention Held in 
Christ Church. The Rectorate of the Rev. Barzillai Bulkley. 
The Settlement with the Rev. John Beardsley. Improvements to 
the Interior of the Church Building. Names of Pewholders, 
1800-1809. 

vii 



CONTENTS 
PART n 
1810-1910 

Chapter VI; 1810-1845 Page 133 

The Rise of the Low Church Party. Bishop Hobart. His 
Churchmanship. The Rev. John Reed. His Life- Work in Christ 
Chxirch. Personnel of His Congregation. Origin of the Connec- 
tion of the Potter Family with the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
The First Church Building as it was in 1820. The Communion 
Silver. The Founding of the Sunday School. The Purchase of a 
Burial-Ground. The Erection of the Seccmd Church Building 
in 1834. The Spread of the Episcopal Church in Dutchess County. 
Dr. Reed's Old Age and the Call of an Assistant Minister. Dr. 
Reed's Death. Names of Pewholders, 1810-1832. 

Chapter Yil; 1845-1875 Page 172 

The Rise of the High Church Party. Its Work for Church Exten- 
sion, Schools and Hospitals. Churchmanship in this Parish. The 
Rev. Homer Wheaton. The Parish Library. Repairs to the 
Church Building. The Font. The Chandeliers. The Dove. 
The Parish School. Social and Economic Conditions in Pough- 
keepsie. The Organization of the Church of the Holy Comforter. 
Church Schools. St. Barnabas's Hospital. Reminiscences of 
1842-1847. Erection of a Sunday School Room, 1848. The Sun- 
day School Church BeUs. The Chancel Altered. Vestments. 
The Development in Church Music. Observance of Christmas. 
Personnel of the Congregation. Special Services. Business 
Matters. The Rev. Dr. Cady. Dutchess Convocation. - 

Chapter VIII; 1875-1910 Page 218 

Origin of the Broad Churchmen. The Rev. Dr. Henry L. Ziegen- 
fuss. Christ Church Becomes a Broad Church Parish. Chancel 
Fiu-nishings. Introduction of Organized Work. Chronological 
List of Parochial Organizations. Erection of the Third Church' 
Building. The Parish House. The Tower. Death of Dr. 
Ziegenfuss. Social and Economic Changes. Rectorate of Dr. 
Cummins. Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham's Gift. The Future 
and the Need of an Endowment. 



Vlll 



CONTENTS 
BIOGRAPHIES 

Page 

The Rectors of the Parish, Assistants, Curates, and Ministers in 

Charge 263 

APPENDIX 

Wardens of the Parish, 1773-1910 303 

Vestrymen, 1773-1910 304 

Delegates to Diocesan Convention, 1785-1910 307 

Secretaries of the Vestry, 1773-1910 309 

Treasurer of the Corporation, 1773-1910 310 

Clerks — Choristers — Choirmasters, 1773-1910 310 

Sextons, 1784-1910 314 

Organists, 1808-1910 315 

Representatives of Christ Church sent by the Diocese of New York 

to the General Convention 315 

Clergy, who, before ordination, were aflSliated with Christ Church 316 

Bibliography of Parish Records 319 

List of Gifts and Memorials forming part of the fabric and furnish- 
ings of the present church building 324 

Memoranda of Repairs and Improvements made to theVhurch, the 

Gift of Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham 335 

Endowment Fund 337 

Correspondence, proceedings, etc., of Christ Church, Poughkeep- 
sie, and Trinity Church, Fishkill, regarding their joint inter- 
ests in the Glebe 340 

Correspondence, proceedings, etc., of Christ Church, and the Rev. 

John Beardsley, regarding the twenty-three acre lot . . 362 
Correspondence, proceedings, etc., in the call to the Rectorship ex- 
tended to the Rev. Henry Van Dyck 399 

INDEX 

Index to Subjects 421 

Index to Persons 425 



IX 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 

Opposite Page 
The Rector of the parish, the Rev. Alexander G. Cummins, 

A.M., Litt. D Frontispiece 

Christ Church from the northeast 1 

The glebe-house. Erected 1767. Sold 1791 30 

"" Map of the glebe, dated 1787, showing the trespass of Samuel 

Curry 92 

The parsonage. Purchased 1799. Sold 1852 106 ' 

The Rev. Philander Chase. From a miniature, painted on 

ivory about 1798 110 

The Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, D.D 118 

Interior of the first church building, about 1820 .... 148 
The present church building from the northwest ; showing the 

location of the monument to Willoughby 158 

Exterior of the second church building, erected 1834 160 
Pen and ink sketch, made in 1834, of the screen which was in 

the second church from 1834 to 1854 164 

The Rev. John Reed, S.T.D 166 

The Rev. Homer Wheaton 174 

Interior of the study of the present church 178 

The dove On page 178 

The Parish School building. Market and Pine Streets 180 

The Davies Memorial Parish School House. Erected 1889 182 

The Rev. Samuel Buel, S.T.D 194 

Interior of the church that was erected 1834 196 

The rectory. Erected 1853. Sold 1880 214 

The Rev. Philander K. Cady, S.T.D 216 

The Rev. Henry L.Ziegenfuss, S.T.D 218 

Easter decorations 1888. The last Easter in the second church 222 
The southwest corner of the English burying-ground about 

1884 244 

The corner-stone and main entrance of the present church . 248 

The tower. Erected 1889. The gift of Mr. Albert Tower 250 
Interior of the present church. From a photograph taken in 

1910 252 

The Rev. Samuel A. Weikert, A.M 254 

The memorial service. May 29th, 1910 256 

Out-of-door popular service, Sunday, October 2d, 1910 258 
The Albert Tower, Jr., Memorial Rectory. Erected 1903. 

The gift of Mr. A. Edward Tower 260 

X 



PART I 



VIEW OF THE PRESENT CHURCH BUILDING 

From the northeast 

Copyright, 1910, Frank B. Howard 



PART I, 1755-1810 

CHAPTER I 

1755-1762 

THE VISITS TO DUTCHESS COUNTY OF THE REV. SAMUEL 
SEABURY, MISSIONARY FROM THE VENERABLE SOCIETY 
FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL IN FOREIGN 
PARTS. 

IN 1755 the Rev. Samuel Seabury, Rector of St. 
George's Church, Hempstead, Long Island, made a 
missionary journey into Dutchess County. He 
came in response to an invitation from some of the 
members of the Church of England who were residents 
here, and who were anxious for the services of their 
Church from which they were cut off. 

The visit occurred in November, as, upon his return to 
Hempstead, he entered upon the parish register of St. 
George's that, on November 1st, 2d and 3d, he had 
baptized "at Fishkill" one adult and ten children. Mr. 
Seabury gave an account of this visit to the Venerable 
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, and the 
records^ of the Society, on file in their London oflSce, thus 
refer to it: "The Rev. Mr. Seabury, the Society's 
Missionary at Hempstead in Long Island, writes, by his 
letter dated April 19, 1756, that his parish in general is 
in a good state, &, at the request of the people of Dutchess 
(Duchess) County (80 miles from Hempstead) he made 
them a visit, and staid six days, & preached four times to 
large assemblies; it is a country of a large extent, con- 
1 S. P. G. Annual Report, February, 1757, pp. 48, 49. 

1 



The Records ofChrist Church 

taining about 10,000 souls, with only one Dutch Minis- 
ter, one Presbyterian or Independent Minister, & one 
Quaker's Meeting but that little attended; & many of 
the people desired him to recommend them to the chari- 
table care of the Society, & assured him they would 
purchase a Glebe and build a Church, could they be 
assisted in the support of a minister; & there are also a 
great many Germans among them, who are averse to the 
joining themselves to any other Communion than that 
of the Church of England; in consideration of all which 
the Society hath directed Mr. Seabury to take these 
poor people under his care, & to do them what good 
services he can at present, consistent with his more 
peculiar care, & when they have built a Church & 
purchased a Glebe, as they promise, the Society propose 
to send a Missionary to them." 

Mr. Seabury thus became Missionary to Dutchess 
County, by appointment of the S. P. G., in 1756. 
Under this commission he came again, in June, 1757, 
recording, later, at Hempstead, the baptisms of six 
children "at Fishkill" on June 26th and 27th, and of one 
child, June 29th, "at Philipse's Manor." 

About this time the substance of the letter he had 
written on April 19th, 1756, to the S. P. G., became known 
in Dutchess County. Exception to it was taken, and 
there was published (anonymously) a pamphlet entitled 
A Letter from a Gentleman to his Friend in Dutchess 
County. The chief objections raised in this pamphlet 
were to Mr. Seabury's statement that it was at the re- 
quest of the people in Dutchess County he had visited 
them; to his statistics regarding the population of the 
county; and to his account of the friendly attitude of 
the Germans toward the Church of England. The 

2 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

anonymous writer said Mr. Seabury had visited "only 
in Rombout," implying he could not be well informed 
about the county in general. 

Before replying to this attack upon him, Mr. Seabury, 
in March, 1759, made another journey to Dutchess, 
taking care not to visit "only in Rombout." His 
record of baptisms shows that March 16th he was "at 
Poughkeepsie," March 18th "at Fishkill," March 19th 
"at Rombout Precinct," and "at Bateman's Precinct" 
the same day. 

Returning home he wrote a letter, dated Hempstead, 
March 30th, 1759, replying to his unknown critic, which 
he printed in pamphlet form. Two copies of this pam- 
phlet are known to be in existence, one in the library of 
Trinity College, Hartford, the other owned by Mr. 
Seabury's descendant, the Rev. Dr. William J. Seabury, 
of the General Theological Seminary, New York City. 
The title-page declares it to be A Modest Reply to A 
Letter From a Gentleman to his Friend in Dutchess County 
Lately published by an anon-i-mous writer. By Samuel 
Seabury, A.M., Missionary from the Society for the 
Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. New York. 
Printed in the Year MDCCLIX. 

After reprinting the anonymous letter in full, Mr. 
Seabury made answer to it point by point. He said his 
authority for his statement of the number of other minis- 
ters in Dutchess County he had thought good, and "is 
assured the Gentleman, Bartholomew Noxon Esq., had 
no design to impose on me. The subject of the Gentle- 
man's Discourse with me was to convince me that 
Dutchess County was a place proper to be recommended 
to the charity of the Society. Upon this occasion the 
Gentleman observed. That he verily beHeved, that if a 

3 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Clergyman of Abilities, Modesty & Virtue could be 
procured to officiate at stated Turns at the Fish-Kills, 
Rombout Precinct, Poughkeepsie and that Part of the 
Nine Partners, or Crom Elbow, bordering on the Fish- 
Kills and Poughkeepsie, a considerable Church would 
soon be gathered. And that from thence the Clergyman 
would frequently have occasional Calls to sundry other 
Places in the County." 

Bartholomew Noxon, who, it thus appears, was 
consulted by Mr. Seabury in 1755, was a Beekman man 
of substantial property and standing. His father, 
Thomas Noxon, was some-time Master of Trinity 
School, New York City, and Bartholomew Noxon him- 
self was a staunch Churchman; he owned a house in 
Poughkeepsie, which he bequeathed by will to his son, 
Dr. Robert Noxon, and which is now one of the oldest 
houses standing in the city, being known as No. 81 and 
No. 83 Market street, near the corner of Noxon. Bartholo- 
mew Noxon's will also mentions his books on law and on 
divinity, Bible, and Common Prayer Books. 

Henry and Jacobus TerBoss of Rombout Precinct had 
been Mr. Seabury's other informants upon the points 
called in question by the anonymous letter. The popu- 
lation of the county in 1755 had been represented to 
him by these men as 10,000, which was a fairly close 
guess to the figures of the official census of 1756,^ those 
being 14,147. 

In defence of his statement that he had visited Dutch- 
ess County by request, Mr. Seabury reiterated that he 
had been invited to come to Fishkill, and added, "my 
invitation was signed by Messieurs John Bailey and 

1 Documentary History of New York, Vol. 1, p. 696. 

4 



The Records oj Christ Church 

Thomas Langdon Esqrs in their public character as 
Church Wardens." 

An interesting issue is raised in this last clause, the 
question presenting itself, when, and by whom, were 
these "Church Wardens" appointed? 

September 22d, 1693, the General Assembly of the 
Colony of New York passed an act entitled^ An Act for 
Settling a Ministry, and Raising a Maintenance for them 
in the City of New York, County of Richmond, West- 
chester and Queen's County, which provided for six 
"Protestant" ministers, who were to be supported by 
the tithes of the people. One was to be appointed in 
New York City, one in Richmond County, two in West- 
chester, and two in Queen's County. The passing of 
this Act was an attempt on the part of the English 
administration of the colony to "establish" the Church 
of England in New York, the Governor claiming, after 
it was passed, that, under the Crown, he had no legal 
right to appoint any ministers but those of the State 
Church in England. In its actual workings the law was 
attended by much opposition, and by many difficulties 
and complications. The injury thus done to the Church, 
by inflaming against it the minds of the Dutch and 
English Presbyterians, was considered so great that an 
effort was finally made in 17692 ^q repeal the Act. The 
Assembly bill for this purpose failed on a technicality, 
but the War of the Revolution soon accomplished the 
result intended by the bill. 

The Act of 1693 provided for an established ministry 
in four counties, where wardens and vestrymen were 

1 Ecclesiastical Records of the State of New York, pub. 1901 by 
the State, Vol. 2, p. 1076. 

2 Dix: History of Trinity Parish, Vol. 1, p. 325. 

5 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

to be regularly elected, and tithes collected. There is 
no evidence that it was ever extended to cover Dutchess 
County, and it is diflBcult to conceive of its require- 
ments in regard to tithes being complied with in this 
community, composed, as then, of Friends and Pres- 
byterians. 

Hence, it is hardly to be supposed that Mr. Seabury's 
invitation was extended under the operation of the 
Ministry Act. If some members of the Church of 
England met, and appointed two of their number 
"Church Wardens," whom they authorized to communi- 
cate with Mr. Seabury, no account of such action has been 
preserved, and its potency apparently ceased with the 
delivery of the invitation, for Messrs. Bailey and Lang- 
don are not again mentioned in connection with Church 
affairs. On the other hand, something of this kind must 
have occurred, if Mr. Seabury's statement is strictly 
accurate. 

Proceeding in his argument, Mr. Seabury said: "The 
places proposed for settling the Church are Rombout, 
Poughkeepsie, and the South Part of Crom Elbow pre- 
cincts. * * * So great is the Encouragement for the 
settling of a Minister of the Church of England to serve 
in those places above mentioned & on the Borders of 
Beekman's and Philipse's Precincts, that not less than 
103 Persons, ten of whom only are single, have already 
subscribed for the Building of a Church for the Worship 
of God according to the Liturgy of the Church of Eng- 
land. * * * The Gentleman (Judge Terbus) who has the 
Care of the Subscription, assured me that he made no 
doubt but that there were Fifty more in those Places, to 
whom a Church might be set convenient, that would 
subscribe; exclusive of Poughkeepsie and Crom Elbow 

6 



The Records oj Chr i s t Church 

where the subscription had not been offered, but had 
been promised Encouragement by Persons of the best 
Credit and Influence; where, 'tis presumed, from the 
promised Encouragement, there will be not less than 100 
more subscribers. And tho' I would not insinuate that 
all these Subscribers are Professors of the Church of 
England, yet it is certain that many of them are so, and 
sundrys of them are removed here from Hamstead, and 
all of them are Friends to the Church and see the 
Necessity of encouraging it." 

The date of the opening of the subscription, to which 
Mr. Seabury refers, is not mentioned in his pamphlet, 
but the Rev. Dr. Ladd, in his Founding of the Episcopal 
Church in Dutchess County, New York, says it was 
first offered in 1756. The circulation of this subscrip- 
tion is the basis for the statement on the memorial tablet 
placed upon Trinity Church, Fishkill Village, that that 
parish was "organized" in 1756. In the light of Mr. 
Seabury's letters, all through the period of his connection 
with Dutchess County, the weight of sentiment, only, 
can be attached to this, for "organization," historically 
and literally considered, did not take place in the county 
until 1766. 

Mr. Seabury made more and longer visits in Rombout 
Precinct than in other portions of the county, and it is 
evident a cordial welcome was given him there, for he 
speaks at length in his pamphlet of the crowded audien- 
ces to which he preached. His services were held in pri- 
vate houses and in the Dutch church at Fishkill Village. 
Mr. Seabury's commission from the S. P. G. in 1756 was 
as Missionary to the whole county, however, and his 
reports to the Society, combined with his entries upon 
the register of St. George's parish at Hempstead, afford 

7 



The Records oj Christ Church 

a record of the dates of his six visits to this field. Briefly 
tabulated they occurred: 

1755, November 1,2, 3, "at Fishkill." 
1757, June 26, 27, "at FishkUl." 

June 29, "at Philipse's Manor." 

1759, March 16, "atPoughkeepsie." 
March 18, "at Fishkill." 

March 19, "at Rumbout Precinct." 
March 19, "at Bateman's Precinct." 

1760, June 19, "at Nine Partners." 
1760, November 2, "at Fishkill." 

November 4, "at Beekman Precinct." 
November 5, "at Rombout." 
November 6, 7, 8, 9, "at Crum Elbow." 
November 11, "at Philipse's Manor." 
1762, June 6, 7, "at Fishkill." 

June 9, "at Beekman Precinct.'* 
June 10, 11, "at Fishkill." 
June 13, "at Nine Partners." 
June 14, "at Rombout." 

The archives of the Society foj* the Propagation of the 
Gospel contain reports from Mr. Seabury on these visits, 
which evidence his faithful labor to extend the Church. 
April 28th, 1760, in a letter on file in London, he said, "I 
have made a visit to Dutchess County where I had the 
pleasure of being kindly received by a great number of 
people, many of which I believe would long ere now have 
joyned in erecting a Church and qualifying themselves 
for a Mission had it not been that they have been exposed 
to great expenses in the present day." These great 
expenses were probably incident to the campaign about 
Lake George, which had just occurred, and to which 
Dutchess County contributed many men. 

Mr. Seabury made two visits in 1760, after the above 
was written, and on March 25th, 1761, wrote again, saying, 

8 



The Records of Christ Church 

*'I have also visited Dutchess County Since my last, & 
on Sunday November 2d last I preached in the Dutch 
Church in Fish Kills to a more numerous assembly, both 
morning & evening, than had ever attended me there at 
any one time before, & on the Tuesday following I 
preached at Beekman's precinct in said County about 12 
miles distant from Fish Kills, & on the Thursday & 
Sunday following I preached at Crom Elbow in sd 
County 20 miles from Fish Kills, & at the several places 
in said County I baptized 38 children & 5 adults. 

"There is a great disposition among the people in 
Dutchess County to have the established Church fixed 
among them; but the friends of Church, in common with 
their neighbors, having been very much scattered in 
their situation from one another, it is hard to come to a 
resolution with regard to the place to fix the Church on; 
However being convinced that many have improved in 
Christian knowledge & in Christian tempers & Disposi- 
tion I shall continue to visit them, if it please God to 
preserve my health, according to the directions of the 
Society." 

The difficulty to reach a decision regarding the loca- 
tion of a church continued. September 30th, 1762, Mr. 
Seabury reported to the Society:** Since my last I have 
made a journey into Dutchess County where I preached 
two Sundays to very Crowded assemblys And three 
Week Days in Different parts of the County And 
baptized one Adult and thirty-three children. The 
County being very extensive & the people Devoted to 
the Established Church Living in Different precincts, the 
Difficulty of Reconciling them to one place for fixing a 
Church I believe to be the Reason they have not yet 
begun that necessary work." 

9 



The Records of Christ Church 

His last mention of his work here is under date of 
March 26th, 1764: "It is now the 2d year since I visited 
Dutches County, where the harvest is Great, and where 
I intend, God willing, to make another visit, & where I 
hope the Society will Send Some very pious young 
Clergyman to make them a Tender of his service. Even 
though they Should not Qualify themselves for a Mission 
According to the Rules of the Society." 

One hundred and eight baptisms (nine adults and 
ninety-nine children) were recorded by Mr. Seabury at 
Hempstead as the result of his ministrations in Dutchess 
County. Among these are to be found few family names 
that were afterward identified with the Church of Eng- 
land in Dutchess, or even associated with the 
county in other ways. The few exceptions are those of 
Southard at Fishkill, Crannell at Poughkeepsie, Carman 
and Noxon of Beekman and Germond and Beadle of 
Crom Elbow. '' 

The Southards and Carmans and Germonds were 
Hempstead people (the Germonds originally, and pro- 
perly, Germaine), and had belonged to St. George's 
parish. St. George's register mentions, beside these, the 
families of Baldwin (Balding), Losee, Cornell and 
Kelsey, representatives of each of which settled in Dutch- 
ess. 

Travelling conditions, in the years when Mr. Seabury 
went back and forth between Long Island and Dutchess 
County, were diflficult and fatiguing; the journeys were 
on horseback, and the roads were few and heavy; the 
stops were at private houses, in most of which the plane 
of living must have been primitive. Communication 
between the several settlements was infrequent and 
events were few, so that the coming of the Missionary 

10 



The Records oj Christ Church 

into each section was a matter of absorbing interest to 
the sparsely peopled neighborhoods. 

Mr. Seabury's message was of the evangelical preach- 
ing type. Not but that he drew a clear distinction 
between the Church of England and other religious 
bodies, for he was a convinced Churchman, but his 
method of reaching the people, to whom he had been 
sent to minister, seemed confined to preaching sermons 
and baptizing. Nothing is said of the celebration of the 
Communion. 

In organization of the scattered inhabitants of Dutch- 
ess County who belonged to the Church of England, 
Mr. Seabury accomplished little or nothing. This was 
primarily due to the fact that he already had the charge 
of St. George's, Hempstead, and was not free to give the 
amount of time necessary to effect an organization in the 
face of such adverse circumstances as existed. 

He was a man of spiritual zeal and consecration, who 
ministered faithfully to the souls in his care, but it 
remained for another to build on his foundations the 
organized body of the Church of England in Dutchess 
County. 



11 



CHAPTER II 

the rectorate of the rev. john beardsley. the pur- 
chase of the glebe. the charter of incorpora- 
tion, the erection of the first church building, 
the removal of the rector by order of the coun- 
cil of safety. names of contributors to the rec- 
tor's salary, 1766-1775. 

SAMUEL SEABURY came to Dutchess County for 
the last time in June, 1762. Not long after, his 
health failed and he died June 15th, 1764. 
Meanwhile the need for a resident missionary in the 
county had begun to be more generally realized. The 
President of King's College, New York, Dr. Samuel 
Johnson, wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury on 
July 25th, 1759: "The next thing is to give your Grace an 
account of those places where Ministers are wanted. 
And here, I beg leave first to mention a great part of this 
province; I mean all. that tract on the East side of 
Hudson's River, from West Chester upwards, quite as 
far as we have any settlements, abounding with people, 
but almost destitute of Ministers of any denomination." 
"Next above" West Chester "is Dutchess County, a 
large tract which Mr. Seabury represented, where there 
is the greatest need of a Mission. Indeed in this, with 
the Mannours and Frontiers above, part of the County 
of Albany, there is large and laborious work for at least 
two Missionaries: And I have two or three hopeful 
Candidates under my direction, and are within a year 

12 



The Records ojChrist Church 

or two of age for orders, who I hope may be provided for 
in these places."^ 

These "hopeful Candidates," whom Dr. Johnson had 
under direction in 1759, may very well have included 
John Beardsley, a student at King's, who, early in 1761, 
went to England, in company with Thomas Davies and 
Samuel Andrews, to be ordained. Returning to America 
in 1762, John Beardsley assumed the charge of the par- 
ishes at Norwich and Groton, Connecticut, in fulfillment 
of a promise made by him to that end in 1760. 

The pledges made to him, however, by the people of 
those places, were not equally well kept, as their sub- 
scriptions toward his salary soon lapsed. 

Being a man of restless energy and much executive 
ability, he set about creating for himself a new field of 
labor. Knowing of the opening in Dutchess County, 
New York, for a Church of England clergyman (possibly 
through Dr. Johnson, as suggested), he came from 
Connecticut to investigate it for himself. In the two 
years and a half between the spring of 1762 and the 
autumn of 1764, he journeyed here six times. Septem- 
ber 26th, 1764, he wrote to the Society for the Propaga- 
tion of the Gospel, reporting his visits, of which letter 
the Society made note: "Mr. Beardsley has within these 
three years, with the consent of his people, made six 
visits to Dutchess County in New York Province, at 120 
miles distant from Groton, preached to crowded audi- 
ences in various parts of that extensive County, and 
baptized more adults and infants than in his own 
Mission. The number of communicants among them is 
considerable, who greatly lament the want of an In- 

1 Documents relating to the Colonial History of New York, Vol, 7, 
pp. 396-398. 

13 



The Records ofChrist Church 

cumbent. They have set about building a Church and 
are determined to procure 100 acres of land for a Glebe, 
a decent House & a title of £30.0.0 sterling, in hopes 
the Society will be pleased to consider them.''^ 

During 1765 Mr. Beardsley must have worked in- 
dustriously to arouse the interest of the Churchmen of 
Dutchess and to band them together for a decided step 
forward, for, early in 1766, he succeeded in raising a 
suflficient sum to guarantee the purchase of a glebe, 
and thus to obtain the cooperation of the Venerable 
Society in the erection of a mission. 

A torn fragment of the original subscription paper has 
survived the changes and chances of a hundred and forty- 
odd years. It bears a few of the signatures, and, for- 
tunately, untorn and unfaded, the date stands out 
conspicuously, — April y^ 2 , 1766. 

These few names and also those which were on the lost 
portion of the document are all preserved in a manuscript 
volume, Accompts of the Glebe for Poughkeepsie, and 
are important and interesting to Christ Church: 



Abner Armstrong 


£ 4. 0. 





Eli Emons 




? 




Isaac Baldwin 


6. 0. 





John Emons 




? 




John Beardsley 


3. 0. 





William Emott 


£ 1. 


0. 





Daniel Cooke 


1. 0. 





Clear Everitt 




8. 





Ebenezer Cooper 


.10. 





John F (el ton?) 


1. 


0. 





John Coapman 


1.10. 





Zachariah Ferdon 


4. 


0. 





Bartholomew Crannell 12. 10. 





Jacob Ferdon 


2. 


0. 





Charles Crooke 


10. 0. 





John Ferdon 


4. 


0. 





Richard Davis 


8.00. 





Johannes Ferdon 


7. 


0. 





John Davis 


2. 0. 





William Forman 




8. 





Thomas Dearing ] 


1. 0. 





John Frear 




4. 





Jacobus Depeyster 


6.10. 





Peter Harris 


10. 


0. 





Lewis Du Bois 


.10. 





Peter Heyser 




16. 





Thomas Dvmcan 


1. 0. 





WiUiam Jecox 


1. 


0. 






1 S. p. G. Journal, No. 16, p. 268. 

14 



The Records oj Christ Church 



Moss Kent 


£ 2. 0. 





Benjamin Payn 


£ . 


16. 





Peter Lausing 


1.10. 





John M. Retsey 


1. 


0. 





Johannes P. Lausing 


1. 0. 





Daniel Roberts 


10. 


0. 





William Lausing 


1. 0. 





Henry Sands 


1. 


0. 





Peter A. Lausing 


.16. 





George Sands 




16. 





Johannes Lausing 


15. 





Maurice Smith 


1. 


4. 





James Livingston 


15. 0. 





Samuel Smith 


2. 


0. 





Gilbert Livingston 


2. 0. 





Richard Snedeker 


5. 


0. 





John Lovett 


1.10. 





Thomas Stuart 


1. 


0. 





William Ludlow 


1. 0. 





Hannah Ten Broeck 


2. 


0. 





Johannes Medler 


3. 0. 





William Terry 


3. 


7. 


11 


Aaron Medler 


1.10. 





Robert Thompson 


1. 


0. 





Henry Metcalf 


3. 0. 





Richard Vandeburgh 


1. 


0. 





Malcolm Morrison 


1.16. 





Henry Vandeburgh 




5. 





Matias Moss 


5. 0. 





Balthus Van Kleeck 


2. 


0. 





John Neill 


.16. 





Leonard Van Kleeck 


5. 


0. 





John Neilson 


2. 0. 





Lawrence Van Kleeck 


2. 


0. 





Theophilus Neilson 


2. 0. 





Lawrence B. VanKleeck 2. 


0. 





"From Nine Partners' 


' 19. 0. 





Myndert Van Kleeck 


1. 


0. 





Peter Parmenter 


.10. 





Richard Warner 


2. 


0. 






With a subscription for a glebe at last successfully 
circulated it was possible to make a definite application 
for aid to the Society, which had made the purchase of a 
glebe a condition precedent to their financial help. A 
letter was therefore written, which is now on file in 
London, and which clearly sets forth the local situation -} 



Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County 
Province of New York in America 
April 10th, 1766. 

Reverend Sir 

We, the professors of the Church of England in Dutchess 
County, beg leave to Liform you, and desire it may be Repre- 
sented to the Venerable Society for propagating the Gospel in 
foreign parts of which you are Secretary, That this County is 

1 The editor has paragraphed and punctuated all old manuscripts 
at her discretion, to render them easily intelligible. Words and spell- 
ing have been followed with exactness. 

15 



The Records ofChrist Church 

in extent along Hudson River upwards of Sixty miles and in 
breadth about Twenty miles, and tho very full of Inhabitants, 
improving slowly under low circumstances, yet the number of 
Churchmen, interspersed through the county without any 
regular church, is small in comparison of the Great Number 
and Variety of Sectaries in the County. 

That the late Reverend and Worthy Mr. Samuel Seabury, 
for many years of the latter part of his days took much pains 
to unite the professors of the Church in raising a support for 
and settling a ministry in some parts of this County, and tho, in 
his life time, his pious Designs did not take their fuU effect, 
Occasioned by the poverty of the people and their being set- 
tled widely apart from each other. Yet we trust that, thro 
divine providence, the good purpose planned by Mr. Seabury 
will, under the protection and aid of the Venerable Society, be 
at last perfected. 

That we have, after many ineffectual attempts. Raised a 
sum of money suflBcient to purchase a handsome Glebe, and 
will raise Sixty Pounds, this currency, annually, for the sup- 
port of a minister of the Church, to Officiate in four Different 
precincts alternately; these precincts take in a tract about 
twenty miles in breadth and, tho it will be not only very La- 
borious but also very Expensive to a missionary to Officiate 
at four churches so far distant from each other, yet the Rever- 
end Mr. Beardsley, Missionary at Groton in Connecticut, has 
since Mr. Seabury's death Occasionally Visited and preached 
among us, and has promised that, with the approbation and 
consent of the Venerable Society, he will accept our call and 
Officiate amongst us. 

Wherefore, we most earnestly entreat of the Venerable So- 
ciety that they will consider our present circumstances, and 
admit Mr. Beardsley to accept our call, and give us such aid 
and asistance as may, with what we raise, enable the Mission- 
ary to perform his Laborious and Expensive duty. 

We wod further intimate to the Venerable Society that, be- 
sides raising the sum necessary for the Glebe, we are wholly 
destitute of Churches, which will be an additional expense to 
us, and which we are determined to build as fast as we can af- 
ter a Missionary (is?) settled among us; till we are able to do 
which, we flatter ourselves we shall be permitted the use of 

16 



• The Records ojChrist Church 

publick places of worship from the favour and countenance of 
the Dutch Holland Churches. 

We beg leave to conclude ourselves 
the Societies and your 

Most Obedient and 
very Humble Servants 
Daniel Roberts 
Bartholomew Craimell 
John Cooke 
Charles LeRoux 

Peter Harris • 

William Humfrey 
Joshua Carman. 
To the Rev'd Dr. Daniel Burton. 

Of the men who signed this letter, Roberts, Crannell 
and Harris werp residents of Poughkeepsie, Cooke and 
LeRoux of Rombout Precinct, and Humphrey and Car- 
man of Beekman, and all had more or less to do with the 
early affairs of the mission* Their letter was sent to 
Dr. Auchmuty, in New York, Rector of Trinity, who 
forwarded it to the Society on May 5th, under cover of 
one from himself endorsing it. The proceedings of a 
Board meeting of the S. P. G., held July 18th, 1766, record 
the receipt of these communications. Dr. Auchmuty's 
letter is there said to have enclosed "the Petition of the 
Inhabitants of Poghkeepsie in Dutches County, where a 
Clergyman is much wanted, (he) recommends them to 
the Favour of the Society, and thinks Mr. Beardsley 
might be usefully employed in this extensive County." 
The petition was referred to a committee, which "agreed 
to recommend to the Society to oblige the Inhabitants 
of Poughkeepsie by appointing the Rev. Mr. Beardsley 
to be Missionary in Dutchess County, provided they 
furnish him with a good House & Glebe & till that can 
be procured make him a suitable allowance instead 

17 



The Records ofChrist Church 

thereof, & provided they execute & deposit a Bond in the 
hands of Dr. Auehmuty for the performance of the same, 
as well as the regular payment of their annual subscrip- 
tion of £60 .0.0 per annum, their Currency. ' ' The Board 
"Resolved, to agree with the Committee, provided it 
shall appear upon enquiry that there are in this District 
sufficient Number of Church People to make a Mission- 
ary necessary here." 

The unavoidable delay between the dispatch of the 
petition in the spring and the receipt of a reply from 
London (means of communication being what they 
were at that time) chafed Mr. Beardsley's impatient 
spirit, and at midsummer he addressed the Venerable 
Society in his own behalf, setting forth the untoward 
state of his charge in Connecticut, and enclosing a copy 
of the Dutchess County petition, to emphasize the de- 
sirability of the transfer of his station. The Society 
made note on October 17th, 1766, of "a letter from the 
Rev. Mr. Beardsley, Missionary at Groton & Norwich 
in Connecticut, dated Groton, July 27, 1766, represent- 
ing the necessity of his being removed on account of the 
neglect of the People of Groton. Inclosed is a copy of 
the Petition and engagements of the professors of the 
Church of England in Dutchess County (the original 
of which was laid before the Board in July last, & their 
Petition granted upon certain conditions). To this 
extensive and fatiguing cure Mr. Beardsley is desirous 
to be removed, with such salary as the Society shall be 
pleased to bestow, in addition to that which he has 
heretofore enjoyed. Should the Petition of Dutchess 
County not be granted, he is willing to go to Newburgh, 
the Chh. Wardens and vestry of that Mission having 
also applied to him. Agreed that Mr. Beardsley's 

18 



The Records oj Christ Church 

salary in Dutchess County be £30. 0.0, to commence at 
the time it ceases at his former Mission." 

When notification reached Dutchess County of the 
terms of the action taken by the Society on July 18th, 
1766 (which stipulated for a bond, guaranteeing the 
promise to purchase a glebe), there was held ''A Meeting 
of the Members of the Church of England in Dutches 
County the 26th of October, 1766." 



Fought eep 
sinck 



Rumboutt 

Beekmans 
Charlott 



Present Bartholomew CranneU, Peter Harris, 
Johannes Ferdon, Johannes Ferdon, Jr., Jo- 
hannes Medlaer and Charles Moss, for Pough- 
keepsinek Precinct 

Jacobus Terboss, Charles Leroux & Richard 
Southerd 

William Humfrey & Bartholomew Noxon 
Henry Filkin, Nicolas DeLaVernge, Peter 
Germond, John Germond & James Germond. 
Haveing this Day 

Executed a Bond to the Society, agreeable to 
their proposal, for removing Mr. Beardsley 
from Groton, and also an Agreement with Mr. 
Beardsley to allow him forty shills a month be- 
sides his Sallary til a House & Glebe be pro- 
vided for him 

voted that William Humfrey Esqr be a person 
for Beekman's precinct to receive proposals 
for Lands to be sold for a Glebe 
Charles LeRoux for Rombout 
Nicholas DeLavergne Esqr for Charlotte 
Bartholomew Crannell for Poughkeepsie 
That these persons Confer with Each other 
upon proposals made, and that previous to an 
absolute purchase to be made by them they 
procure a General Meeting to approve 
Voted that Mr. Noxon be a Clerk to transcribe 
what shall be necessary concerning the General 
Affairs of the Several Churches. 

The bond to the Society, thus executed on October 26th, 

19 



The Records ofChrist Church 

was deposited with Dr. Auchmuty, 'and the report of the 
proceedings of the S. P. G. for 1766 states that "the 
Society, being informed in a Letter from Dr. Auchmuty, 
dated November 12th, that the People in Dutches 
County chearfully comply with the Terms required of 
them, & that there are already 80 Church Families in the 
County, & many more expected, have agreed to estab- 
lish a New Mission at Poughkeepsie & consented to Mr. 
Beardsley's removal thither." 

Mr. Noxon, who had been appointed clerk to the four 
congregations, made note that: 

1766 Decern 21st Mr. Beardsley entered into the service of 
the Churches agreeable to his Call by Divine 
Service & preaching at the House of William 
Luke 2:32 Humfrey Esqr. 

Mr. Beardsley's first service in his new mission was 
therefore held in Beekman Precinct, as William Hum- 
phrey, a prominent resident there, lived a half mile west 
of the hamlet of Beekmanville and about a mile from 
Sylvan Lake, a point about equally distant from each of 
the other three congregations, representatives of which 
assembled to hear his sermon from the text, " A light to 
lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." 

His first service at Poughkeepsie was held four days 
later, being Christmas Day, 1766. 

Pending the purchase of a glebe, a house (the location 
of which is not known) was rented for Mr. Beardsley. 
Bartholomew Noxon states that "1767 9th Feb Mr. 
Beardsley set out for Groton in order to fetch up his 
family & returned again ye 5th March following, preach- 
ed at Poughkeepsinck 8th Do. so that the other 3 pre- 
cincts lost each one Sabbath service." 

Upon his return from Groton, Mr. Beardsley consider- 

20 



The Records of Christ Church 

ed it necessary to augment the amount of the subscrip- 
tion for the purchase of a glebe, and, on March 25th, 
secured pledges aggregating £45 .15.0 from twenty-two 
members of the Dutch Reformed congregation, one 
third of the amount coming from James Livingston. 
The preamble to the list of these contributions states 
that the contributors were "disposed to promote the 
Pious and Religious designs of the members of the Church 
of England at Poughkeepsie." As will be seen through- 
out this narrative, the inter-relations of these two con- 
gregations, the Dutch and English, are quite remarkable 
in their closeness and comity. 

The conclusion of the purchase of a glebe now pressed 
for attention. At once, the old obstacle to progress, the 
choice of location, arose, and a discussion was precipi- 
tated which produced results of deep and far reaching 
influence. Two of those who were intimately associated 
with all the events of this period wrote accounts of the 
same. These men were William Emott and John Davis. 
William Emott was descended from one of the patent- 
ees of the Nine Partners Patent in Dutchess County, and 
his family had for many years belonged to Trinity 
Church, New York. He had come to Poughkeepsie as a 
young man, married here, and, through a long life, 
continued an active interest in the Church and in public 
affairs. He described himself in a deed as "saddler," a 
business of some extent at the time. In later years he 
was called "Squire" Emott, the title Esquire accom- 
panying the oflBce of a Justice of the Peace, which oflSce 
he long held. He lived on what is now the southwest 
corner of Main and Hamilton streets. To him, the 
present generation is indebted for a vast amount of de- 
tailed information regarding Christ Church from 1766 

21 



The Records ofChrist Church 

down, perhaps, to 1810. He was a member of the vestry 
1773-1805, was secretary six years, and for thirty-seven 
years was treasurer of the Corporation, and, being inde- 
fatigable with his pen, he wrote at length upon the 
parochial affairs. His comments were often caustic and 
were made without reserve, and it is quite possible that 
they were thus sometimes unnecessarily irritating. 

In this respect there is a contrast between him and 
John Davis, who, also, contributed largely to the parish 
archives. Davis did not blink facts and was accurate 
and businesslike, but his manner was more pacific. 
Like Emott, he was associated with Christ Church from 
Mr. Beardsley's arrival to his own death, some fifty 
years later. 

The narratives of how the decision about the glebe 
was reached, as written first by John Davis, then by 
William Emott, are as follows: 

[When a Glebe was about to be purchased, places were to be 
sought for, and representatives of the Churches were] to meet 
on a certain day to determine which place to pm:chase. They 
met accordingly on the day appointed, and the Fishkill people 
held up a place which was Scituated in Rombouts precinct, 
distance about seven miles from Fishkill Town, and eight or 
nine from the Town of Poughkeepsie; the Inhabitants of 
Poughkeepsie held up a place about one mile from the Town of 
Poughkeepsie. 

Upon which, debates arose between the parties about which 
of the two was the properest place to purchase. The Fishkill 
said that a Glebe purchased for two Congregations should be 
Scituated nearly in the midway between the two Churches, and 
urged strongly for purchasing the place they had in view. 
On the contrary, the People of Poughkeepsie argued : that a 
Glebe piu-chased for two Churches so far distant from each 
other as these were, should be near one or the other of the 
Churches, alledging that, if ever the Congregations should be 

1 Appendix, Fishkill papers. No. 14. 

22 



The Records ojChrist Church 

able so as to maintain a Minister separately, and should part, 
that the Glebe so purchased would suit one of the Churches; 
but, if purchased as desired by the Fishkill people, would suit 
neither. 

After much altercation on the matter, It was agreed to by 
both parties that they should leave the affair to Mr. Beards- 
ley, and the place he should Choose, should be the Glebe, and 
should be purchased by both Congregations for that purpose, 
with this proviso, that, if hereafter, it should so happen that 
the Congregations separated, that that Congregation which 
lay nearest the Glebe should have it, Refunding to the Other 
the first purchase money. 

Accordingly, Mr. Beardsley determined on the matter, and 
Choose the place at Poughkeepsie, and it was accordingly pur- 
chased for the two Congregations. 



[Rev. John Beardsley], being^ a Missionary of the society for 
propagating the gospel in foreign parts, came from Groton in 
Connecticut to Fishkill about the year 1766 to establish a 
mission, and, getting acquainted with Messrs. Cooke and 
Laroux and others in that town, they entered zealously into 
the measure. 

The terms proposed were that a small Farm or Glebe should 
be purchased for the use of the clergyman, with a salary of 
£60. 0.0 pr annum, this being compHed with by one or more 
congregations as he should agree to; the Society, on their 
part, would furnish a Library, and Settel an anuity on the 
mission of £35.0.0 Sterling. 

The gentelmen of Fishkill, wishing to embrace this Opper- 
tunity, made sutable exertions in their Vicinity. 

But, not possessing resources competent to the Occasion, 
with Mr. Beardsley's consent they sought for assistance from 
the adjoining town of Poughkeepsie, who, with respect to 
numbers or wealth were vastly inferior and might be Shook off 
at a Convenient Season. 

Under these impressions, Messrs. Crannell, Harris and Oth- 
ers were resorted to, and some of the inhabitants of Poquage 
and Nine Partners were induced to give their feeble aid. 

These gentelmen held their meetings at Peter Harris's (now 

1 Appendix, Beardsley papers. No. 35. 

23 



The Records of Christ Church 

Ingrams) ■} the necessity of the ease obHdged them to form 
a self -created Society; it was called a Vestry meeting of the 
four Churches. 

The first step was to agree where the Glebe should be pur- 
chased, whether in Fishkill or Poughkeepsie. 

The gentelmen from the first of these places, considering 
themselves as principles, expected little opposition to having 
it in their town and neighborhood. 

Mr. Crannell, however, a Sharp Sighted man, took care to 
make sutable impressions on the clergyman of the propriety of 
making the purchase at Poughkeepsie. All this was Correct. 
However, when the thing was to be settled at Harris's, the 
one side advocated the purchase of a place near Mr. Cooke's; 
the other, Ostrander's farm. After a lengthy and warm alter- 
cation, in which neither of the parties would yield, they had 
but one alternative, and pledged their honour to abide the de- 
cision of Mr. Beardsley. 

He, being called into the room, and not being suffered to 
decline giving an Opinion, was in favour of Ostrander's Farm. 
Mr. Cooke and his friends were much mortified at the par- 
son's decision. 

However, as they had committed themselves, they endeav- 
ored to have a reconsideration, on the principle that Ostrander 
farm would cost about a third more than the Fishkill Glebe and 
contained fewer acres; that the Joint efforts of the intended 
Churches might not be sufficient to raise the purchase money. 
Mr. Beardsley was by some means induced to offer, if no bet- 
ter plan could be devised, to take }4 of the Land, rather than 
return to New England and abandon his present plan of a 
Settelment in Dutchess County. 

This silenced the opposition and subscriptions were set on 
foot to purchase the Ostrander Farm. 

From this period, Mr. Cooke and his friends reposed less 
confidence in Mr. Beardsley, and a cordial intimacy on the 
part of the Clergyman took place with Mr. Crannell, who, 
from this moment, until the Grant and Charter was obtained 
the 9th of March in the year 1773, might be considered the 
dictator of every measure Relative to the Church affairs at 
Poughkeepsie. 

1 A map of 1798, State Engineer's office, Albany, shows this to 
have been near the present Arlington P. O. 

24 



The Records ofChrisi Church 

The Ostrander farm, which was advocated by Mr. 
Crannell, and which was finally purchased August 1st, 
1767, lay on the north side of what is now Main street, 
Poughkeepsie, but which was then known as the Filkin- 
town Road. 

An effort to determine Mr. Crannell's reasons for the 
strong opinions he held in this matter, which reasons 
evidently held weight as arguments with Mr. Beardsley, 
involves a comparison of the Precincts of Rombout and 
Poughkeepsie at that day. 

Rombout Precinct covered an area of eighty-five 
thousand acres, including within its limits the present 
townships of Fishkill, East Fishkill, Wappinger, the 
westerly part of La Grange, and a strip in the southern 
part of the present township of Poughkeepsie. At the 
junction of the New York and Albany Post Road 
with the road leading from the Hudson into the interior 
of Rombout, a Dutch church had been erected very 
early, and the tiny hamlet of Fishkill had grown about 
it, but no commercial or business interests followed. 
The road from the river into the interior ran on, past 
this small cluster of dwellings near the church on the 
corner, and through the section (since become the town- 
ship of East Fishkill) then called Rombout. The heirs 
of Francis Rombout, the original patentee, sold this 
land in large individual holdings to well-to-do Dutch 
families of Long Island, — Adriances, Brinckerhoffs, 
Storms, Van Wycks, Van Voorhees, &c, &c., — so that, at 
first, the inhabitants were rather widely separated from 
each other, owing to the size of their farms. These same 
valuable farms explain the endless intermarriages 
between the few Dutch families owning them, among 
whom it was desired to perpetuate the tenure of the land. 

25 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

The nearest approach to a settlement, in the vicinity of 
these families, was around the Dutch church which they 
built at Hopewell. In neighborhoods, such as either of 
the above, there was small hope for a Church of Eng- 
land mission. 

Poughkeepsie Precinct was not comparable to Rom- 
bout in its acreage, which was perhaps a quarter as 
great. But an analysis of the records of the Board of 
Supervisors of Dutchess County for 1766, the year of 
Mr. Beardsley's settlement, suggests that other forces 
were at work within it. For example, the total assess- 
ment in each of these precincts, divided by the total 
number of taxpayers, shows that the average assessment 
per capita was very nearly the same in them, although 
in Rombout the average number of acres, held by each 
taxpayer, was more than double that of the average in 
Poughkeepsie. Something beside agriculture was evi- 
dently telling in Poughkeepsie. 

That something is not far to seek. As has been 
pointed out elsewhere, before now, the early location of 
the Court House at Poughkeepsie determined the char- 
acter of the development of the community. Until 1750, 
the development was slow; thereafter it was steady and 
evident. The court sessions attracted lawyers and 
their clients, for whose accommodation inns were necessary ; 
then tradesmen followed, and, some years before the Rev- 
olution, the river landing and freighting business began. 
Between 1756 and 1766 the number of taxpayers in 
Poughkeepsie increased twenty-five per cent. 

While Mr. Seabury and Mr. Beardsley had been made 
warmly welcome at Fishkill, that little settlement did 
not possess within itself the potentialities for growth 
which were, even then, operating in Poughkeepsie. 

26 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

Bartholomew Crannell of Poughkeepsie was **a sharp 
sighted man," said William Emott. He was a lawyer, 
and would naturally have been alive to the influence upon 
the place of his fraternity. The supposition that the 
view of Poughkeepsie, just outlined, was held by him, 
and by him presented to Mr. Beardsley, is to some ex- 
tent supported by an incidental sentence in a letter Mr. 
Beardsley wrote John Davis many years later, in which 
he said he supposed the glebe must have risen very much 
in value, lying, as it did, "so near ye heart of ye capital 
of ye county." ^' ^ 

Mr. Crannell, originally a New York man, established 
himself at the county seat of Dutchess to practise law, 
soon after 1740. Beside his general practise, he acted 
as Surrogate from 1752 to 1775, and was so called, 
although a Probate Court was not organized here until 
after the Revolution. But wills from all over the county 
were proved before him, and taken to New York City 
to be filed.2 In 1744,* he built his house (which stood 
on the south side of Main street, about opposite the head 
of Mill), and married Peter Van Kleeck's daughter, 
Tryntje. He acquired a large tract of land on the north 
side of Main street, to the east of which lay the farm he 
recommended to the Church. 

The property which was thus chosen for a glebe was 
purchased of Gideon Ostrander. He had bought it in 
1763 from Hendrick Ostrom, paying £100. 0.0 in cash, 

1 Appendix, Beardsley papers. No. 8. 

2 The red sandstone, colonial marker is still standing a few feet 
east of the glebe-house, "1 mile from the Poughkeepsie Court House." 

3 Collections New York Historical Society, Abstracts of Wills, 
Vols. pub. 1895-1900. 

4 Francis Filkin's Common Place Book, Court House, Pough- 
keepsie. 

27 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

and giving a mortgage for £500 .0.0. August 1st, 1767, 
he conveyed two-thirds of the farm to the Society for the 
Propagation of the Gospel for £400 .0.0. This deed is 
not recorded in the County Clerk's office, but a copy of it 
is among the parish papers. On the same day, he con- 
veyed the remaining third of the property to John 
Beardsley, "Clark," for £200.0.0., which deed Mr. 
Beardsley had recorded in the Clerk's office, on May 
12th, 1805.1 

The extreme western portion of the glebe, thus con- 
veyed to Mr. Beardsley, was always known as **the 
twenty-three acre lot," and it occasioned, first and last, 
an amount of difficulty out of all proportion to its size or 
value. The correspondence and proceedings regarding it 
are so voluminous that they are added at the close of this 
volume as a section of the Appendix, it being impossible 
to halt the action in each chapter to present all the de- 
tails of such a complicated question. 

The roots of the troubles which grew up over the title 
to the glebe lay in the loose business methods of Mr. 
Crannell and Mr. Beardsley. Upon this point William 
Emott said:^ "There being very few churchmen at that 
time in Poughkeepsie, Mr. Crannell and Mr. Beardsley 
volunteered in managing the whole concern; they col- 
lected the donation moneys, and made the purchase so 
far as related to our Church. * * * It is further to be 
remarked that Mr. Crannell and the parson continued 
to direct the temporalities of the Church, with the assis- 
tance of a nominal Vestry who kept no regular minutes 
of their proceedings, until about 1772; during which 
period they had the entire disposal of all money matters, 

1 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds, Liber 19, p. 174. 

2 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 28. 

28 



The Records ofChrist Church 

and it is to be lamented that they never came forward, 
after the Charter was obtained from the then govern- 
ment, to explain the purchase of the Glebe and the pay- 
ments. By which means their transactions for a number 
of years are not well understood." 

In another place Emott wrote^: "Mr. Crannell being 
Counsellor and conveyancer, drew one deed for ^ to 
the Society in England, and the other for }/s to Mr. 
Beardsley. This policy was necessary to induce the 
society to establish the mission, and to appease the 
Fishkill gentelmen. Mr. Beardsley was at this time in 
low circumstances, as is generally the case with young 
professional men, and, having no connections to assist 
him in pecuniary matters, it is conceived that his re- 
ceiving a conveyance thro the management of Mr. 
Crannell was merely a nominal thing, for he has never 
condescended to inform the episcopal Corporation of any 
payments made by him on the lot." Mr. Beardsley, 
himself, said'- that "Mr. Crannell advanced a principal 
part of Poughkeepsie's share, as well in payment for ye 
old Glebe as for finishing ye house." 

That Mr. Crannell should give generously to the 
Church, and omit to keep an accurate account of his 
expenditures, was not the aspect of the case which gave 
rise to trouble. The trouble was caused by the manner 
of Mr. Beardsley's acquirement of the twenty-three 
acres, taken in connection with later events and political 
changes, which brought about a veritable tangle with the 
law. 

Before the Church came into possession of the Ostrand- 
er farm in August, 1767, the building of a house had been 

1 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 35. 

2 Appendix, Beardsley papers. No. 8. 

29 



The Records ofChrist Church 

begun upon it, and Mr. Crannell took up at once the 
continuation and finishing of the work. Account books 
and bills of the period show payments for building mate- 
rials (bricks, lime, and heavy timber), from May to 
November, 1767, and also for "brass knob latches," 
hinges, locks, glass and other sundries. This glebe- 
house is still standing and in good repair, although 
altered in some minor details. Within recent years, the 
writer went over it, finding the original beams of garret 
and cellar sound and strong and the "brass knob 
latches" of 1767 still in use. 

Simultaneously with the purchase of a glebe for the 
Church of England clergyman, a movement was begun 
at Poughkeepsie to build a school-house, "and appoint a 
Master to teach the English language," a subscription 
paper being opened on July 28th, 1767. This document, 
and the others on the same subject, are found among 
Christ Church papers for the reason that Richard Davis, 
one of the most prominent members of the congregation, 
was appointed a manager of the school, and apparently 
had the custody of some of its records. The interesting 
fact, which these papers witness, is the decline of the 
influence of the Dutch language at this date, the sub- 
scribers toward the purchase of a lot and the erection of 
the school-house being fifty-seven in number, and the 
major part of them members of the Dutch Reformed 
Church. 

They procured from Lewis DuBois, for "£10.0.0 in 
cash and £90 . . in subscriptions," a lot in Poughkeep- 
sie, forty-five feet broad in front and in rear, "and in 
length the length of Abraham Buys's lot," bounded west 
by the Post Road, north and east by land of Lewis 
DuBois, and south by land of Robert Patten. This is 

30 



THE GLEBE-HOUSE 

Erected 1767 Sold 1791 

Occupied bj' the Rev. John Beardsley and by the Rev. Henry Van Dyck 



The Records of Christ Church 

the lot which, on the 1790 map of Poughkeepsie, is 
marked "School," on what is now the southeast corner 
of Market and Church streets. By the terms of the 
subscription paper, the school-house was to be a frame 
building, twenty-one by twenty-eight feet. The name of 
the master does not appear, but it is easy to suggest the 
possibility that Daniel Roberts, one of the leaders in the 
English Church in its first few years of existence, might 
have filled the post, inasmuch as he was a schoolmaster 
in Poughkeepsie so early as 1754.^ 

Although the after-history of this school does not 
form part of this narrative, it may not be out of place to 
add that Richard Davis continued his association with it 
so late as 1812. By that time, a lot on Church street 
had been secured, on which the school was conducted; 
the old building on Market street was disused for its 
original purpose, the map of Poughkeepsie for 1799 show- 
ing that it was occupied then as a "Clerk's Office." 

While the affairs of the glebe and the school were 
shaping at Poughkeepsie, the Churches at Beekman and 
Nine Partners were gaining no ground. 

The congregation of Beekman held a meeting on April 
26th, 1767, and organized a vestry. William Humphrey 
and Joshua Carman were elected wardens, and James 
Van Der Burgh, Richard Cornell and Thomas Cornell 
vestrymen. On May 1st, 1767, they paid to Peter 
Harris of Poughkeepsie £25.0.0 "towards the payment 
for a Glebe purchased for the Church of England," this 
amount having been contributed in sums ranging from 
£1.0.0 to £6.8.0 by Bartholomew Noxon, James 
Van Der Burgh, William Humphrey, Joshua Carman, 
Richard and Thomas Cornell and Samuel Osburn. On 
1 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds. Liber 4, p. 147. 

31 



The Records oj Christ Church 

May 1st, 1768, the vestry, above named, were reelected, 
the election taking place at Mr. Humphrey's, but this is 
the last heard of the Church at Beekman until 1774, 
when it had disbanded. 

The salary accounts of Christ Church reveal the fact 
that, after December, 1768, the Church at Poughkeepsie 
assumed the quota of the congregation at Nine Partners, 
which thus, after two years' effort, lapsed out of existence. 
By "Nine Partners" was meant the general vicinity of 
which the hamlet of Washington Hollow now forms the 
center,^ it being in that neighborhood that the families 
of Germaine, Filkin, Beadle and De La Vergne lived, all 
of whom were in some measure interested in the Church 
of England. 

In 1773 the vestry made formal note that the Rector 
was giving half of his services to Christ Church, and 
voted that his salary be paid annually, and that he also 
be paid annually for "part services," the latter clause 
probably referring to some portion of the quarter of his 
time which would have been devoted to Beekman, had 
that Church lived. 

An effort was made in 1774, by the Poughkeepsie 
vestry, to induce the Church at Fishkill to pay the Beek- 
man share of the Rector's salary. In a letter dated 
February 16th they said that r^ " the Vestry Considering 
how Absolutely Necessary it is for the Security and 
promotion of the Church here that their Clergyman be 
secured in the payment of his full Salary, and Under- 
standing that since Beekman's Precinct dismissed Mr. 
Beardsley no proper security has been given him to 
secure the payment to him of that Quarter, we Can't 

1 The later Precinct of Charlotte included this section. 

2 Appendix, Fishkill papers. No. 3. 

32 



The Records oj Christ Church 

help mentioning this matter to you as a thing of moment; 
we, on our parts, have made proper provition for the 
Quota of the Nine Partners from the time of his dis- 
mission from thence, and recommend to you to do the 
same with Regard to the other. With the failure of one, 
may deprive us both of a Clergyman, and be a means of 
our being represented in an Unfavorable light to the 
Venerable Society on whom we so much depend." 

The Fishkill wardens, Daniel TerBoss and Richard 
King, replied^ that they "would be heartily glad if it 
were in their power to comply," but they conceived it to 
be impossible for them to do so. A memorandum of 
May 27th, 1775,^ speaks of the fact that Beekman's 
quarter of the Rector's services was being given to 
Fishkill, but that his salary for the same was unpaid. 

The joint affairs of the four congregations were 
summarily disposed of by the events at large of 1775, and 
the quadrilateral arrangement was never again attempt- 
ed. 

With the purchase of a glebe accomplished, a glebe- 
house built, and a school in existence for teaching Eng- 
lish, the subject of importance which would naturally 
have claimed attention next was the erection of a church 
building. ■ But this was postponed by a delay that arose 
from an unexpected source, which is succinctly described 
by John Davis :^ 

"Adjoining to the Glebe lay a parcel of waste, uncul- 
tivated land, in Common, then said to belong to the 
Descendants of Myndert Harmanse, one of the Original 
proprietors of the soil, and, according to the Deed of the 



1 Appendix, Fishkill papers, No. 4. 

2 Appendix, Fishkill papers. No. 6. 

3 Appendix, Fishkill papers. No. 14. 



The Records ojChrist Church 

Glebe to the Society for Propagating the Gospel in foreign 
parts, the Glebe had a right in it for pasture and wood. 

"After some years the people of Poughkeepsie was 
Informed that the land said to be Commons was like to 
be Vacant Land, and that Mr. Leake had Petition (ed) 
the Governor and Council for a patent for it; and it was 
also said that the Title of all the Land in the patent, 
under which the Glebe was held, was not good, and that 
the Inhabitants living thereon were uneasy and wanted 
a Confirmation for them. 

"The members of the English Church in Poughkeepsie 
then petition (ed) for part of the land then deemed 
Vacant, and, in Order to have the Confirmation made 
out, got Mr. Cockburn to survey and make a map of it. 

"Mr. Beardsley, hearing that the Governor would con- 
firm unto the Inhabitants, holding under Saunders and 
Harmense, all the Lands they possessed, and knowing 
that the deed of the Glebe did Intitle the Glebe to some 
part of the Common Land, did, when Mr, Cockburn sur- 
veyed the Glebe, git annexed to it a part of the said waste 
land, and which was accordingly confirmed to and with 
the Glebe; and then Governor and Council did give and 
grant unto the Corporation of Christ Church in Pough- 
keepsie Two Hundred acres of the said Vacant Land." 

The patent referred to was granted in 1686 to Robert 
Sanders and Myndert Harmense Van der Bogert, and 
covered the middle and northern portions of the present 
city of Poughkeepsie and its outskirts. It was drawn 
up with such ambiguous description of boundaries that 
William Emott said^ that "Governor Moore, in March 
1768, determined Hermanses and Saunders patent was 
intended to grant only 1,200 acres, instead of 12,000 
1 Appendix, Fishkill papers. No. 33. 

34 



The Records ofChrist Church 

acres," and that the Church was "justly alarmed at the 
insufficiency of the title they had purchased under." 
Further/ that "John Beardsley, Barth'w Crannell, 
Isaac Balding & Richard Davis Signed a petition to 
Gov'r Tryon 4 Oct'r 1771, Setting forth, in Substance, 
that all the lands purchased of Ostrander was the Sole 
property of the Church, & was, for want of Letters of 
incorporation, held by Deeds of trust only, — to wit, a 
Deed to the Society and also a deed to Mr. Beardsley; 
all which is again contained in the Recitals in the Con- 
firmation and Charter and other Documents. And this 
same Mr. Beardsley, under the Counsel and direction of 
Mr. Crannell, went to New York as Agent, and pre- 
sented said petition, and attended to Business with the 
utmost diligence, until he got it accomplished." 

This petition was presented on December 31st, 1771, 
and a favorable vote upon it was taken by the Governor 
and Council May 19th, 1772,^ but ten months intervened 
before the large parchment document (still in good 
preservation with the seal attached) was made out. 
It was passed February 17th,^ and, on March 9th, 1773, 
signed by the Secretary of the Province. 

Relieved of a burden of antiquated legal phraseology, 
the simple provisions of the charter of Christ Church 
stand revealed: 

George the Third, 

To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting; 

Whereas: — "The Reverend John Beardsley Clerk and 
other Inhabitants of Poughkeepsie" presented to Governor 
William Tyron, December 31st, 1771, a petition; 

1 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 35. 

2 Calendar of Council Minutes, Vol. 31, p. 12 (New York State 
Library). 

3 Ibid., p. 59. 

35 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Petition set forth that "said inhabitants and those adjacent 
in like Communion" had long been inconvenienced for want 
of regular administration of divine service; they had some 
time since procured the Rev. John Beardsley to be sent them 
by the S.P.G. ; they had lately purchased a glebe of 87 acres, 
part of the tract granted to Sanders and Harmense, but which, 
for want of letters patent of incorporation was held by deeds 
of trust, only; 

Therefore: — petitioners asked for Royal charter of incor- 
poration and Royal confirmation to their said corporate body 
of title to the land, and a grant of a parcel of waste land, known 
by number 68 and by appellation common, and bounded at 
one end by said glebe. 

On consideration of said petition, Council did, on May 19th 
last past, vote to incorporate the petitioners, confirm the title 
to the 87 acres bought as a glebe, and give title to 200 acres 
of common adjoining. 

Description of land ; 287 acres. 

The petitioners corporate title to be "The Rector and In- 
habitants of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County in Communion 
of the Church of England as by Law Established." 

The Corporation is capable of being party to suits at law, 
and has power to buy and sell real estate, provided the yearly 
value of the real estate (exclusive of the church building) does 
not exceed £500.0.0. 

The Corporation is to have one Rector, two wardens 
and eight vestrymen. 

The charter appoints as wardens Bartholomew Crannell 
and Samuel Smith, and, as vestrymen, Richard Davis, John 
Child, John Davis, John Ferdon Jr., John Medlar, Zachariah 
Ferdon, Isaac Baldwin, Jr. and David Brooks. 

The annual vestry election to be held on Tuesday in Easter 
week. The election to be held at the church (when that has 
been erected), after "at the least a week's notice thereof, by 
publicly declaring the same after divine service in the Morn- 
ing, on some Sunday not more than three weeks before the 
time of election." The election to be by "the Voices of the 
members of the Corporation hereby constituted." 

In case of a vacancy, the Rector and wardens, or any two of 
them, to appoint a day for an election to fill it; notice to be 
given "immediately after divine service on some Sunday not 
more than three weeks next preceding the day appointed." 

36 



The Records of Christ Church 

Non-residents of Poughkeepsie, when members of the 
Church of England, are ehgible to election to the vestry. 

Royal order that a church building be erected in the Precinct 
of Poughkeepsie as soon as possible, to be called Christ Church. 

Provisions for vestry meetings. 

Vestry empowered to transact the business of the Church, 
and to make its own rules. 

A record of proceedings to be kept. 

The vestry has power to choose and change the Cor- 
poration seal. 

The Rector given sole power to appoint a clerk to assist hiTn 
in performing divine service, and to appoint the sexton. 

In case of vacancy in the Rectorship, the power to fill it vest- 
ed in the wardens and a majority of the vestrymen. 

The patronage of the Rectorship vested in the vestry. 

Royal confirmation of title to 87 acres of glebe granted to 
"The Rector and Inhabitants of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess 
County, in Communion of the Church of England as by Law 
Established." 

Royal grant, to the same, of 200 acres "of common or waste 
land, excepting all gold and silver mines and white pines fit 
for masts for the Royal Navy. 

Rent of two shillings, six pence, each hundered acres or part 
thereof, to be paid at the Custom House in New York City, 
aimually on the Feast of the Annunciation, commonly called 
Lady Day. 

If, within the ensuing three years, the Corporation fails to 
plant and cultivate at least three acres for every fifty, of lands 
here granted, the lands are forfeited and revert to the Crown. 

The charter to be registered in the Secretary's office. New 
York City, within six months from the date thereof. 

Signed and sealed March 9th, 1773. 

Mr. Beardsley reported to the Society for the Propaga- 
tion of the Gospel:^ 

Poughkeepsie 

26th October 1773 
Rev'd Sir 

permit me to acquaint the venerable Society that I have in 
the year past baptized fifty nine white and two black Infants, 

1 S. P. G. Records, Vol. 3, B, New York, Part II, 1759-1782. 

37 



The Records oj Christ Church 

& four white adults; that the Church in this Mission is much 
in the Same State as when I wrote last April, Slowly improving 
imder low circumstances; and that I have drawn my Bill of 
£17.10.0 Sterling in favour of Mr. Thomas Fisher, Merchant, 
of New York. 

We have, by a Smile of government, lately obtained a Char- 
ter of Incorporation to our Chh at Poughkeepsie, with a grant 
of Two Hundred Acres of waist Land nearly contiguous to the 
old Glebe, which Lands (though at present of but Small value 
being something rough & unimproved) wiU in Time Set us on 
a respectable footing. 

I am Rev'd Sir the venerable Society & your most obe- 
dient & most 

Humble 
Servant 

John Beardsley. 

Hardly had the ink upon the charter dried, when 
protest was raised by the Church at Fishkill that two 
charters of incorporation, and two confirmations of 
title to the glebe, had not been obtained. 

It had been Mr. Beardsley's original intention to 
procure two. On October 4th, 1771, he and the vestry 
of Trinity Church (composed of Jacobus Terbos and 
Joseph Green, wardens, and Zebulon Southard, Joseph 
Cary, John Halstead and Thomas Pyre, vestrymen) 
had filed a petition^ asking for incorporation, which the 
Council voted,^ November 13th, 1771, should be granted. 

Some one in the Secretary's oflBce at that time must 
have been making money over red tape and the law's 
delays, for the expense of getting business done through 
that oflBce proved so great that Mr. Beardsley decided 
two charters were beyond the financial reach of his con- 
gregations. The statement, over his own signature, is 

1 Calendar New York Historical Mss. (English), p. 797. 

2 Calendar of Council Minutes, Vol. 29, p. 514, N. Y. State 
Library. 

38 



The Records ofChrist Church 

twice found^ that but one charter was gotten in order to 
save the cost of two. 

The land confirmed by the charter consisted of the 
original glebe, which was owned jointly by the Pough- 
keepsie and Fishkill Churches; the twenty-three acre 
lot, which Mr. Beardsley held a deed for; and two hun- 
dred acres of commons, a gift from the Crown. 

At the first meeting held by the vestry of Christ 
Church after the charter had been received, a resolu- 
tion^ was passed, formally recognizing the claim of the 
Fishkill Church to half of the original glebe. No men- 
tion was made of the two hundred acres of commons, 
which the Poughkeepsie vestry considered had been 
given to their Church alone. Mr. Beardsley was present 
at this meeting. 

Correspondence took place between the two vestries 
in 1773, 1774 and 1775, on this subject, which, with 
related material of later date, is included in the Appendix 
to this volume. 

The vestry at Fishkill wished either of two things. 
One, to receive from Christ Church a firmer guaranty to 
them of their title, which had apparently been absorbed 
under the charter; the other, that the glebe should be 
sold and their share of the proceeds put out at interest 
towards the Rector's support. 

The vestry of Christ Church replied to the first that 
they did not know what more of a guaranty they could 
give than they had already in the resolution they had 
passed; and to the second that, as the Fishkill vestry 
had repudiated certain agreements made by their pred- 
ecessors, on the ground that the latter "had not Suflfici- 

1 Appendix, Beardsley papers. No. 8, & No. 23. 

2 Appendix, Fishkill papers, No. 1. 

39 



The Records ofChrist Church 

ent Authority to make Such an Agreement, So this 
Board conceive the Same Objections may lay in future 
to any agreement now to be made with their Brethren of 
the Fish Kill Church by their present Representatives; 
are therefore of Opinion nothing firm and lasting Can be 
determined on till a Charter of Incorporation for the 
Church at fish Kill be first Sued out and Established."^ 

It is noticeable that in this discussion, lasting two 
years, and to which Mr. Beardsley was a party through- 
out, there is no reference to the question, which arose 
later, whether the two hundred acres of commons had 
been granted to Christ Church only, or to Christ Church 
and Trinity together. 

The commencement of the War of the Revolution 
closed the matter for the time being, leaving it in an 
inconclusive state. 

Trinity Church, Fishkill, had proceeded to the erec- 
tion of a church building the year after Mr. Beardsley's 
settlement. On September 30th, 1767, two months 
after the acquirement of the glebe at Poughkeepsie, a 
lot was bought^ "on the road leading to the Fishkill 
Landing, near the Dutch church," on which was built the 
substantial frame building that is still standing and in use. 

After the Governor's Council had by vote confirmed 
the title to the glebe, and the occasion for delay was 
removed, Mr. Beardsley, with characteristic promptness, 
did not wait for the charter to be signed, but opened a 
subscription in behalf of the church building needed at 
Poughkeepsie. Three of these subscription papers, all 
dated January 1st, 1773, bear the names which have been 
combined into the following single list : 

1 Appendix, Fishkill papers, No. 6. 

2 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds, Liber 7, p. 251 

40 



The Records oj Christ Church 



Isaac Balding £20. 0.0 

Isaac Balding Jr. 5. 0.0 

John Bard 15. o.O 

John Bard Jr. 7.10.0 

John Barns 5. o.O 

William Barns 1. 0.0 

John Beardsley 20. 0.0 

AdamBergh . 8.0 
Abraham Brinckerhoff 2. 0.0 

David Brooks 3. 0.0 

Caleb Carman 2.10.0 

John Child 10. 0.0 

Jacob Coapman . 6.0 

Isaac Cole . 4.0 

John Cooke 5. o.O 
BartholomewCrannell 50. 0.0 

Jane Crooke 10. 0.0 

Richard Davis 50. 0.0 

John Davis 15. o.O 

Abraham Degraff . 2.0 

Moses Degraff , 8.0 

Johannes de Wit 1. 0.0 

John Dorlon .16.0 
Lewis Du Bois, "the Land 
To Sett the Church on." 

William Emott 5. 0.0 

George Freligh . 8.0 

John Halsted l. o.O 

Joseph Harris 2. 0.0 

Isaac Hegeman ,10.0 

Robert Hoffman 2. 0.0 

Jonas Kelsey 3. o.O 

Simon Laroy . 6.0 

Simon Laroy Jun 1.12.0 

Peter Laroy .16.0 

Mordecai Lester .16.0 

Gilbert Livingston 3. 0.0 

Philip J. Livingston 10. 0.0 

Peter Low . 8.0 

William Low . 8.0 

John Low . 8.0 

Henry Ludington .16.0 



Peter Luyster £ . 4.0 

C(?) Mancius 10, 0.0 

Hendrick Hasten .10.0 

Johannes Medler 5. 0.0 

John Mott 8. 0.0 

Samuel Mott 2. 0.0 

Peter MuUin .12.0 

Bartholomew Noxon 15. 0.0 
James William Payne 25. 0.0 

Henry S. Pells .16.0 

Thomas Pinkney .8.0 

Thomas Poole 5. 0.0 
John Michael Richter 2.10.0 

Benjamin Rosekrans . 8.0 - 

James Rosekrans . 8.0 - 

Henrj' Rosekrans . 6.0 

John Schenck Jr. 1.10.0 

Peter (Seaman?) . 8.0 

Johannes Shear 1. 0.0 

James Sheels l. o.O 

John (Sitton?) 1,10,0 

Abraham Sleight . 8.0 
Samuel Smith, Boat- 

i^ian 8. 0.0 

Samuel Smith 5. o.O 

Maurice Smith 5, o.O 

John Smith .10.0 

Benjamin Smith . 8.0 

Peter Tappen 5. o.O 

Edward Tredwell . 8.0 
Margaret Van der Burgh 3. 0.0 

John Van Den Burgh .16.0 

Aswarus Van Kleeck 2. 0.0 

Barent Van Kleeck . 8.0 

John Van Kleeck .16.0 

Peter B. VanKleeck 1. 0.0 

Peter Van Kleeck 1. 5.0 

Stephen Van Vorhees . 8.0 

Baltus Velie .12,0 

MyndertVelie 2. 0.0 

John Watts . 5.0 
Jacobes ( .? ) "paid in lambs." 
1 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 



Lewis Du Bois, one of the larger land owners in Pough- 
keepsie, who was long a contributor to the support of 
Christ Church, presented the site for the building. 
His deed^ to the Corporation describes the lot conveyed, 
as situated in Poughkeepsie, on the Post Road, bounded 
by the school-house lot on the south and by the land of 
Jonas Kelsey on the north. Jonas Kelsey was Lewis 
Du Bois's brother-in-law, and a life-long member of 
Christ Church. 

During the autumn of 1773, the foundation of the 
church was laid, but it soon became evident that a larger 
building fund was needed. Mr. Beardsley accordingly 
went to New York and begged help from men prominent 
in business and in the Church, who gave him substantial 
encouragement for his up-country mission. The sub- 
scription papers, bearing the signatures obtained during 
this visit, are among the parish manuscripts, and read 
like a roll call of old New York: 



William (Astick?) £ 1. 1.0 

George Ball 1- 0.0 

Samuel Bard 1.12.0 

Goldsboro Banyar 1.17.0 
Gerald William 

Beekman 1. 4.0 

Henry Beekman 5. 0.0 

Grove Bend 2. 0.0 

Mrs. Anne Chambers 3. 5.0 
Thomas Clerk's 

wife .16.0 

A Club 5. 0.0 

JohnD. (Cremshew?) 1.0.0 
Anake Crooke, "A 

sett of Damask 

Furniture for the 
Desk and Pulpitt." 

1 Christ Church Parish Mss., 



William Denning £ .10.0 

Elias Desbrosses 5. 0.0 

James Duane 3. 4.0 

Thomas Duncan 1.12.0 

James Emott 2. 6.0 

Francis Filkin 5. 0.0 

John Fisher 3. 4.0 

Hugh Gaine 1.12.6 

Peter Goelet 3. 5.0 

Andrew Hammersley .16.0 
Daniel Horsmanden 

Esq. 2. 0.0 

Samuel Jones 1. 0.0 

Edward Leight 1.12.6 

Captain Lawrence . 8.0 

John Leake .16.3 

Jacob Le Roy 2. 0.0 

Papers of First Church, No. 4. 



42 



The Records ofChrist Church 



Robert R. Livingston £lO. 0.0 

Robert R. Livingston 
Jr. 

John Livingston 

Abraham P. Lott 

Gabriel William Lud 
low 

Wilham Henry Ludlow 1.12.6 

George Duncan Lud- 
low 

George and William 
Ludlow 

Gabriel H. Ludlow 

William Lupton 

Mr. Marston 

John McKisson 

Abraham Mesier 

Mesier & Schenck 

Edward NicoIIs Jr. 

Charles Nickalls 



3. 4.0 

2. 0.0 
.12.0 

3. 5.0 



3. 5.0 



3 



4.0 
3. 0.0 

1. 0.0 

2. 0.0 
.16.0 
.16.0 

1.12.6 

.16.3 

1.10.0 



Perry, Hays & Sher- 

brooke £3. 5.0 

Fred: Rhinelander . 8.0 

James Rivington, "A Church 

Com'n prayer book." 
Richard Sanse . 8.0 

Davis Seabury 1.10.0 

Peter Stoutenburgh 2. 0.0 
Ten Eyck & Seaman 1.12.6 
John Thurman Jr. 1.12.6 

A Person Unknown 30. 0.0 
John Van Cortland 3. 4.0 
Augustus Van Cortland 2. 0.0 
3. 0.0 

1. 0.0 
.16.3 

2. 0.0 
. 8.0 
.16.3 

1. 1.8 



Anthony Van Dam 
John Vanderbilt 
Jacob Van Vorhees 
Henry White 
Daniel H. W^ickham 
John Wood 
John Woodward 



Scattered subscriptions were received in 1774 from 
Churchmen and non-Churchmen at Poughkeepsie and 
in various parts of Dutchess County. One of these 
formed the first legacy ever received by this parish. 
Charles Crooke, whose country home was the property, 
near Hyde Park, that is now owned by Thomas Newbold, 
belonged to a New York family that had been identified 
with Trinity Church, and represented among its wardens 
and vestrymen from 1697. Being a strong Churchman, 
he was one of the earliest and largest contributors to 
Christ Church, and when he made his will,^ April 25th, 
1770, he left £25.0.0, "to be paid to the Church 
Wardens toward building a Church." His will was 
proved December 1st, 1772, and his widow, as executrix, 
paid the legacy, the receipt of which the vestry of 

1 Collections of the New York Historical Society, Vol. pub 1899 
p. 76. 

43 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Christ Church made note of in 1774. Among Charles 
Crooke's descendants is a well defined tradition that all 
the heavy timber, used in the construction of the church, 
was felled in his woods and hauled to Poughkeepsie by 
his oxen. This gift must have been made by his widow, 
as he had died when the actual building of the church 
was begun. 

Among the other occasional subscriptions to the build- 
ing fund were several from members of the Dutch Church, 
including one from Dominie Hendricus Schoonmaker. 
The alacrity with which the Dutch congregation joined 
in all measures for the promotion of the English Church, 
is traceable not only to the increasing use of the English 
language, already referred to (and which caused the 
resignation of Dominie Schoonmaker in 1774, he speaking 
only Dutch), but to their own internal denominational 
difficulties. The whole Dutch Reformed Church of 
America was at this time shaken by a difference of opin- 
ion upon the validity of ordination as conferred by the 
assembly of ministers and elders known as "The Rever- 
end Coetus of New York and New Jersey." The 
"Coetus" party was opposed by the "Conferentie," 
which held it necessary for a candidate for the ministry 
to go to Holland and be ordained by the Classis of 
Amsterdam. From 1765 to 1774 the united Dutch 
congregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill had two 
pastors and two consistories, representing the warring 
factions. The rival ministers preached in either place 
on alternate Sundays, the dissenting party in each case 
remaining away from the service.^ This divided condi- 
tion, combined with the language consideration, turned 

1 Van Gieson's History of the Dutch Church, Poughkeepsie, pp. 
54-63. 

44 



The Records oj Christ Church 

many to the English Church, some temporarily, some 
permanently. 

Mr. Beardsley wrote^ from Poughkeepsie to the secre- 
tary of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, on 
April 26th, 1774: 

Rev'd Sir 

I beg leave to Inform the Honourable Society that we have 
at length (through much diflSculty) collected by Subscriptions 
in our own congregation and among our Christian Neighbors 
(that) which we judge Sufficient to build us a Stone Church 40 
by 53 feet in circumference. The Foundation was laid last 
fall; the walls are now raising; and we expect it will be com- 
pleated by the last of October. 

If the Society woidd be pleased to bestow a Bible & Common 
Prayer Book in our New Church (as we have none but what 
I have provided at my own cost) I am persuaded no people 
would be more grateful. 

We have some time since received a like favour to the 
Church at FishkiQ (a part of this Mission and fifteen miles 
from hence), for which, & for all other favours, we shall ever 
retain a deep sense of our obligations to the Society. 

I have drawn my BUI of £17.10.0 Sterling in favour of 
Mr. Jacob Watson, Merchant, at New York. 

Since I wrote last I have baptized thirty two white & two 
black Infants; and I am Rev'd Sir the honourable Society's 
& your most 

obedient 

most humble 
Servant 
John Beardsley. 

The Rector's hope that the church would be ready for 
use by the autumn of 1774 was fulfilled. A consecration 
service was held on Christmas Day that year, at which 
the sermon was preached by the Rev. Samuel Provoost. 

Mr. Provoost had been connected with Trinity 
Parish, New York City, but the connection had been 

1 Original letter on file in London. 

45 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

severed, and, in 1774, he was living in retirement with 
his family near East Camp in the present Columbia 
County, then a part of the County of Albany. During 
his stay there, he occasionally visited the parishes at 
Albany, Catskill, Hudson and Poughkeepsie, in which 
way it occurred that he was invited to be the preacher 
when Christ Church was consecrated. 

The original manuscript of his sermon on this day was 
presented to Christ Church in 1888 by James Grant 
Wilson of New York. The text was taken from St. 
Luke 7, verse 5, — ^"For he loveth our nation and he hath 
built us a Synagogue." Imbedded in a long discourse 
upon Old Testament ritual, combined with sundry moral 
reflections, is one paragraph of local interest. It is 
noticeable in that, that the eighteenth century was as 
impressed with its own material conveniences and im- 
provements as is this twentieth, teeming with its oft 
quoted inventions and developments. 

This Place, which less than two centuries ago was either a 
Desolate Solitary waste, or Inhabited by savages, wild and 
uncultivated as their Native Country, and immersed in the 
most deplorable Idolatry and ignorance, is now covered with 
Buildings, filled with Inhabitants who profess the purest of 
Religions, and supplied with all the Comforts and conveniences 
of Life. Indeed, the only want the members of this Congre- 
gation have for some time labored under, has been that of a 
place where they might perform the publick oflBces of their 
Religion and pay their Devotions to God with decency and 
order. This defect is now, at last, happily supplied by the care 
and assiduity of their worthy pastor, and the generous Con- 
tributions of the Benevolent and Devout; and it will be re- 
membered to their honour that, whilst some have given out of 
their abundance, others have spared out of their Industry. 
All, I hope, have exerted their prayers and wishes for this 
pious work. 

Mr. Provoost's mention of gifts made to the Church 

46 



The Records of Christ Church 

out of the industry of the donors, probably has reference 
to the contributions of the "artificers and workmen" who 
labored in the erection of the building, whose names are 
contained in the treasurer's records, and of whom thir- 
teen joined in subscribing the sum of £18.15.0. 

The furnishings of the first church were modest to the 
point of severity. Pews were not put in until after the 
Revolution, and the congregation, who, in Mr. Provoost's 
opinion, possessed "all the comforts and conveniences of 
Life," must have occupied crude benches. At the east 
end of the small oblong building was a high pulpit, and 
before that a reading desk. A committee, consisting 
of the Rector, Bartholomew Noxon, Richard Davis 
and John Davis, had been appointed in June, 1774, 
"to fix the Dementions of the Reading desk and pulpit, 
and Send the Same to Gabriel William Ludlow in Order 
to have the hangings Made for them." Mr. Ludlow's 
wife was a daughter of Mrs. Ann Rutgers Crooke of New 
York, who had promised the hangings. When these 
were received, the vestry ordered "that the thanks of 
this Corporation be given to Mrs. Anake Crooke for her 
Generous Donation of a Elegant Set of Crimson Damask 
hangings for the pulpit and desk in Christ Church in 
Poughkeepsie." A remnant of this crimson damask, 
framed, was lately given to Christ Church by Miss 
Julia Crooke, and is now on the wall of the parish house. 

The vestry also acknowledged with appreciation, in 
1775, that there had been "Presented to Christ Church, 
by John Moore, Esquire, of New York, a Silver Baker 
for the Service of the Communion;" "by Mr. Gabriel 
William Ludlow of New York, two Cups for the Com- 
munion Service: and likewise a font for the use of the 
Church;" "by Mr. John Crooke of New York a Table: 

47 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Chair: Table Cloath and Napkin, for the Service of the 
Communion." 

This "Table for the Service of the Communion" is said, 
by a tradition in the Crooke family, to have been one of 
two, the mate to which is still in existence. The latter 
is of the design known as a Chippendale card table, 
which model was introduced about 1720 and went out 
about 1780; it is of mahogany, with carved cabriole 
legs and claw and ball feet; the two sections of the top 
are hinged at the center, so that one half rests on the 
other, or is leaned up against the wall, when the table is 
not in use. The pair of tables were family pieces, and 
there seems to have been no more hesitation on the part 
of the Church to make use of the former card table for 
sacred purposes than there was to purchase a "Tickett 
in ye Kings Bridge Lottery for the Church in Poughkeep- 
sie," which the treasurer's records show was done, or 
than to take a negro man in part payment of a debt, 
which occurred a few years later. 

James Rivington of New York donated "A Church 
Com'n prayer book," and the "Great Bible" was one 
presented by the Free Masons to Mr. Beardsley, person- 
ally, which he afterward gave to the Church.^ One 
surplice was owned, the linen for which was contributed 
by Captain Peter Harris, and its making by Mrs. 
Beardsley.2 It is referred to as the "surplus," "Supplus," 
and "Surplush," in the account books, an annual item 
for its laundering being gravely entered. 

That the church was consecrated before it was entirely 
finished, and that the completion of the work again 
exceeded the abilities of the congregation, is evidenced 

1 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 8, No. 10, No. 16. 

2 Appendix, Beardsley papers. No. 16. 

48 



The' Records ofChrist Church 

by two facts. On January 17th, 1775, Bartholomew 
Crannell, Richard Davis, and John Davis "Advanced for 
the Use of the Church the Sum of £200.0.0.," which 
was applied to that end; and, in April ensuing, £12 .12.3 
was received from seventeen "of our Christian friends on 
Long Island," members of the Church of England, at 
Hempstead, for "finishing" the church. 

Plain as was this building, its heavy cost was entailed ' 
by its substantial quality. It was of brick, with stone 
trimmings, and its walls were two feet thick of the most 
solid masonry possible. When it was razed in 1833, a 
young girl, watching the workmen, saw the difficulty 
with which they demolished the walls, and afterwards 
bore testimony to this eflfect to her daughter, now living. 

Fortunate it was for this parish that it succeeded in 
building the church before the storm of the Revolution 
broke The burden it carried was heavy during and 
after the war, and had the need for a church been added, 
the recuperation of the congregation would have been 
even slower than it was. 

No hint of political disturbances is seen in the Vestry 
Minutes until June 29th, 1776, that"being the day of one 
of the stated meetings of the Vestry, but the confused 
State of the County prevented Vestry from meeting." 

Two weeks later, July 13th, 1776, "At a Vestry held 
to Consider of the Rector's Stoping Divine Service in the 
Church (In Consequence of Independancy being De- 
clared by the Continental Congress) Until the Vestry 
Can hear from the Vestry of New York. Taken the 
above Affair in Consideration Resolved that the Rector 
do from this time Stop all Divine Service in the Church 
untill word Can be had from the Rector of New York or 
from a Convention of the Clergy." "The Remainder of 

49 



The Records ojChrist Church 

the Quaterly meetings of this year was not held by 
Reason of troublous times." 

Mr. Beardsley's rectorate virtually ended with the 
suspension of church services; he continued to occupy 
the glebe, but no salary was paid him. 

Possession of the Hudson River valley in 1777 became 
the pivot of the military campaign; New York City was 
occupied by the British, and Burgoyne threatened the 
headwaters, while, in October, General Vaughn sailed 
up the river and burned Kingston. Excitement ran 
high in the several towns and lines of cleavage were 
sharply drawn. In just what way Mr. Beardsley incur- 
red the disapproval and suspicion of the Whigs at Pough- 
keepsie neither public nor parish records disclose; but 
his Tory sympathies were strong, and his personality 
positive, and it was inevitable that a break should come. 

December 5th, 1777, the Council of Safety, sitting at 
Hurley, resolved^ "that Peter Tappen and Andrew 
Billings, Esqrs., Assistant Commissioners of Conspiracies, 
be authorized and directed to cause the Revd, Mr. 
Bardsley and Henry Vandenbergh, with their families 
(male servants and slaves excepted), to be removed to the 
city of New York, and to permit them to take with them 
their wearing apparel, and necessary bedding, and 
provisions for their passage, and no other goods or effects 
whatsoever." 

An attempt was made by Tappen and Billings to have 
the severity of this order mitigated, family connection 
forming a strong factor in favor of the Rector. Mr. 
Beardsley's first wife died soon after they came to 
Poughkeepsie, and he had married, second, Bartholomew 
Crannell's daughter, Gertrude. Her sister, Elizabeth, 
1 Journal of the Council of Safety, New York State Library. 

50 



The Records oj Christ C h u r,c h 

was the wife of Peter Tappen, one of the Commissioners 
ordered to remove Mr. Beardsley, and her sister Cath- 
erine's husband, Gilbert Livingston, was one of the most 
influential Whigs in Poughkeepsie. 

But the Council of Safety returned the following 
decisive answer to the Commissioners:^ 

In Council of Safety 

Hurley, llth Deer. 1777. 
Gentlemen — 

The Council of Safety are surprised you should be at a loss 
to determine the two questions you have raised on Messrs. 
Birdsley and Vandenbergh's case. 

With respect to the question whether they are at liberty to 
seU effects to pay just debts due to the inhabitants, it is evi- 
dent they can have no such indulgence; for. besides the danger 
of covering their property by sale and payment of feigned 
debts, all the property they are to leave behind must be sub- 
ject to disposition by the authority of the State. 

In that case, honest creditors can be no losers; because there 
is justice enough in Government to discharge the demands of 
such creditors, as far as the property left behind will extend. 
Besides, to permit them to sell their effects, and pay debts at 
their discretion, would be the most direct means to enable them 
to defraud their honest creditors. 

With respect to such effects as are claimed to be the property 
of Mr. Birdsley's children, the Council are of opinion that they 
can not be considered as exempted from seizure, because the 
father, who is an enemy to the State, can not be the proper 
guardian of their effects, especially as he is no longer a sub- 
ject of this State, and is on the point of being sent out of it. 

If the children should, hereafter, become subjects of this 
State, and can make out their title to the moneys arising from 
the sale of the goods claimed in their behalf, those moneys will 
be found in the treasury to answer their demand in a course of 
equity. 

In short, as you are to send off the two families, except male 
servants and slaves, and to permit them only to take off their 
wearing apparel and necessary bedding and provisions for 

1 Journal of the Council of Safety, New York State Library. 

51 



The Records ofChrist Church 

their passage, and no other goods or effects whatsoever, the 
express terms of the resolution of the 5th inst. might, we con- 
ceive, with a little attention, have removed all doubt. 

With respect to the dangerous seeds of faction, which you 
suppose are springing up at Poughkeepsie, the Coimcil hopes 
that the removal of the two disaffected persons, above men- 
tioned, will be an effectual means of preventing their growth, 
especially, as, in addition to this reason, it appears that the 
two ringleaders have delivered themselves up, with marks of 
great penitence. However, we think this matter properly lies 
with the committee, who may bail or commit them at their 
discretion. 

We are, gentn. 

Your humble servts. 
To Andw. Billings and Peter Tappen, Esqrs. 

Poughkeepsie. 

Governor Clinton, at Poughkeepsie, issued on Decem- 
ber 13th the permit^ for the removal of Mr. Beardsley, 
his wife and five children, with wearing apparel, bedding, 
and provisions for their passage; they were to be taken 
to New York on a sloop commanded by Captain Robert 
North, and the sloop, captain and crew were to return 
to Poughkeepsie unmolested. 

Mr. Beardsley's own view of his removal, as expressed' 
by him many years later, was, that, "As I did not remove 
from Poughkeepsie to New York and Join the British 
Side of my own accord, but went by Constraint, being 
Sent away by the powers then prevailing, I was not 
considered in the light of those who left their home of 
Choice, and therefore no attainder was ever made out 
against me." 

December 14th, 1777, the Vestry Minutes record that, 
**by Order of the Council of Safety the Rev'd Mr. John 
Beardsley, Rector, was Removed to New York, and 

1 Clinton Papers, Vol. 2, pp. 574, 575. 

2 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 35. 

52 



The Records ofChrist Church 

John Davis a member of the Vestry Enter(ed) upon and 
took Possession of the Glebe with the Consent of the 
members of the Vestry." 



Names of Contributors to the Salary 
of the Rev. John Beardsley 

Mr. Beardsley's salary was reckoned annually, from December 
25th, 1766, the day of his first service in Poughkeepsie as Rector; it 
was paid to December 25th, 1775. 

B. Isaac Baldin Jr.; Isaac Baldwin; John Bard; John Bard 
Jr.; John Barns, merchant; Elisha Beagle; John Bleeck- 
er; David Brooks. 

C. Alexander Chaucer; John Child; Philip Cooper; John 

Cornell; Stephen Cornell; Bartholomew Crannell; 
Charles Crooke; Mrs. Jane Crooke (later Mrs. Jane Van 
Kleeck). 

D. John Davis; Richard Davis; Thomas Dearing; Timothy- 
Doughty; Lewis DuBois. 

E. Gabriel Ellison; Eli Emons; John Emons; William 
Emott;^ Henry Everitt; Richard Everitt. 

F. Abraham Ferdon; Jacob Ferdon; Johannes Ferdon; 
JohnFerdon Jr.; Zachariah Ferdon; JohnFrear. 

G. William Gay. 

H. Hendrick Hageman; Isaac Hageman; Peter Harris. 

K. Jonas Kelsey. 

L. Simeon LeRoy Jr.; Jonathon Lewis; Henry Livingston; 

Gilbert Livingston; John Lovett. 
M. Aaron Medlar; John Medlar; Uriah Mitchell, of Nine 

Partners; Ebenezer Mott; John Mott; Samuel Mott. 
N. Robert North; Bartholomew Noxon; Simon Noxon. 
P. John Pawling; James Wm. Payne; Samuel Pinkney; 

Thomas Poole; Michael Price. 

1 In 1773 William Emott was exempted from further salary pay- 
ments "so long as he continues Clerk." 

53 



The Records ofChrist Church 

R. Eli Reid; John M. Retsey; Daniel Roberts; Ichabod 
Rogers. 

S. Henry Sands; Daniel Smith; Jacob Smith, at Nine Part- 
ners; Samuel Smith, Boatman; Samuel Smith, Farmer; 
Maurice Smith, Tanner; Morris S. Smith; John Stou ten- 
burgh. 

T. Peter Tappen; William Terry; Robert Thompson. 

V. Henry Van De Burgh; Baltus VanKleeck; MyndertVan 
EQeeck; John Van Steenbarck. 

W. Benjamin Walsworth; Richard Warner; Richard Wilkin- 
son; James Winans; Thomas Wooley. 



54 



CHAPTER III 

FROM THE REMOVAL OF MR. BEARDSLEY, THE FIRST RECTOR, 
TO THE ARRIVAL OF MR. VAN DYCK, THE SECOND. THE 
REVOLUTION. THE GLEBE. PEWING THE CHURCH. THE 
ARBITRATION WITH TRINITY CHURCH, FISHKILL. 

UNDER Providence, this parish was kept alive, 
during the Revolution and the dreary days that 
followed it, by the fact that it was an incor- 
porated body and held real estate which it was the duty 
of its vestry to take charge of and protect as trustees. 

While the war was in progress, the Easter election was 
annually held in conformity with the charter, to perpetu- 
ate the Corporation, and from the Declaration of 
Independence in 1776 to the conclusion of the Treaty of 
Peace in 1783, twenty-one men were elected to the 
vestry. Of these, Richard Davis, William Emott and 
Dr. Robert Noxon served continuously throughout the 
troubled period, and it may well be said of them that 
they, by their faithfulness to the interests of the con- 
gregation, averted its disintegration. 

The eighteen other men who were more or less often 
in the vestry from 1776 to 1783 were Ebenezer Badger, 
Isaac Baldwin, Isaac Baldwin Jr., Charles Crooke, John 
Davis, Richard Davis Jr., Peter Delamater, Zachariah 
Ferdon, Daniel Lefferts, Henry Mott, Simon Noxon, 
Thomas Poole, William Post, James Pritchard, Daniel 
Smith, Samuel Smith, Gerard Smith, Melancthon L. 
Woolsey. Some of these were openly Tories, others 
were tacitly understood so to be, but the men connected 

55 



The Records oj Christ Church 

with the parish who became really active supporters of 
the King were those whose names are associated with the 
earlier formative years of the mission. 

For example, Eli and John Emons, Jacob Ferdon, 
several Lassings, John Mott, Peter Palmatier, Richard 
and Henry Van der Burgh, all lost their property by 
confiscation;^ Johannes Medlar sufifered arrest,^ on the 
charge of having assisted Peter Harris in an attempt to 
enlist men for a company in the King's troops under 
Harris's command, and Peter Harris, himself, eventually 
disappeared from the community. 

Bartholomew Crannell was, of course, the most con- 
spicuous Tory in the congregation, as, perhaps, in the 
village. He joined the British in New York in 1778, and, 
at the close of the war in 1783, made one of the party of 
Loyalists which founded the city of St. John, New 
Brunswick; he was one of the leaders in all that con- 
cerned St. John until his death. May 24th, 1790, in his 
seventieth year. At St. John he was spoken of^ as 
"Father Crannell," being the senior barrister, and, in a 
way, the father of the bar of the city and province. 

Mr. Crannell filed a claim as a Loyalist (at a Deter- 
mination of Claims from New York, held in May, 1787, 
ill Nova Scotia),^ for losses of real estate and personal 
property at Poughkeepsie, and loss of income from the 
practise of his profession amounting in all to £2,500 .0.0. 
Hesitation about paying this claim arose, owing to the 
fact that the real estate at Poughkeepsie was thought to 

1 Piatt's History of Poughkeepsie, p. 301. 

2 Calendar of Revolutionary Manuscripts, p. 195. 

3 Correspondence: — Letter of the Rev. Dr. W. O. Raymond, St. 

John, N. B. 

4 Audit Office Transcripts, Vol. 29, p. 327, Lenox Library, New 

York City. 

56 



The Records oj Christ Church 

be in the possession of the claimant's sons-in-law, 
Gilbert Livingston and Peter Tappen, and Mr. Crannell 
was desired to prove his loss. As a matter of fact, 
Livingston and Tappen did not obtain possession of the 
property until a year later, when (on May 30th, 1788), 
they bought^ it in from the Commissioners of Forfeiture, 
paying £600 .0.0 for five separate parcels, aggregating 
two hundred and nineteen acres and a half. Ninety 
six acres had previously been sold by the Commissioners^ 
to Dr. Samuel Cooke of Poughkeepsie, for £240.0.0. 
Mr. Crannell's dwelling house stood on one of the lots 
purchased by his sons-in-law, and, it having been at the 
disposal of the Commissioners since 1778, it had been 
occupied by Governor Clinton for at least a part of the 
time in which he lived at Poughkeepsie. 

William Emott was described^ by Peter Tappen and 
Gilbert Livingston and others, to Governor Clinton in 
November 1777, as "a Sly, Crafty, Designing Tory." 
He had applied to Clinton for a pass to go to New York 
to receive a legacy from the estate of an uncle, and Clin- 
ton had granted the application after enquiry as to 
Emott's moral character. A general protest was made at 
Poughkeepsie, desiring the withdrawal of the pass, 
which Clinton at once revoked. In the protest Emott 
is said to "always keep Regular Journals from day to 
day of every Ocurrance that happens;" he "has capt 
minutes of every transaction amongst us since the com- 
mancement of the warr." This journal would be racy 
reading, could it be found, and would add as much 
detail to the Revolutionary history of the city, as 

1 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds, Liber 27, p, 179. 

2 Ibid., Liber 8, p. 43. 

3 Clinton Papers, Vol. 2, pp. 543-546. 

57 



The Records ofChrist Church 

have Emott's other writings to the history of Christ 
Church. 

Richard and John Davis, although Tories, were not 
aggressive ones. They remained in the background, 
attending to their own business interests, which were 
large, they being among the prosperous merchants of the 
town. A road (now Pine street) led from Market 
street to the river, ending at Richard Davis's landing, 
where he had a storehouse, and did a forwarding and 
freighting business by sloops. His daughter, Hester, 
was the wife of Dr. Robert Noxon, the tliird member of 
the trio which, with such constancy, served the Church. 
Dr. Noxon lived in the house on Market street, still 
remembered as his, and several of his descendants are 
members of Christ Church at the present time. He 
practised his profession here many years, and was a 
member of the vestry of Christ Church every year but 
four from 1776 to 1810. 

During the nine and a half years under consideration 
in this chapter, which form the interval between the first 
and second rectorates, the vestry met thirty-four 
times, the meetings being held at the houses of Richard 
Davis, John Davis, Dr. Noxon and Thomas Poole; the 
latter was an inn-keeper in Poughkeepsie, who had been 
baptized as an adult by Mr. Beardsley in 1773, and who 
was a faithful member of the Church in its time of adver- 
sity. 

The charter required that the Easter election should 
be held at the church, but, from 1776 to 1784, though the 
election itself was annually recorded, no mention is made 
of the place where it occurred. Apparently the church 
building was closed and entirely disused, for there is not 
a reference to it in the contemporary records. This 

58 



The Records ofChrist Church 

complete silence does not lend color to the suggestion^ 
that it may have been used as a barrack for troops, for, 
so voluminous are the parish papers, some mention of 
such use must surely have been made, if only one for the 
needed cleaning and repairs which it would have necessi- 
tated. April 18th, 1786, the vestry, "Ordered that 
Richard Davis and Henry Mott be a committee for 
repairing the Church steepel, and any other repairs they 
may deem necessary for the preservation of the Build- 
ing," the wording of which resolution would indicate 
that the building was in fairly good condition. 

It is well known that Trinity Church at Fishkill was 
put to good service for the patriot cause. Rom bout 
Precinct's sheltered position behind the Highlands gave 
it a value in the years of the War for certain uses of the 
Army for which a protected place was needed, and, with- 
in a radius of two or three miles around the English and 
Dutch churches, troops and their officers from time to 
time were quartered, and depots for supplies established. 
The two churches were utilized, Trinity as a hospital, 
the Dutch as a military prison, and, by the time the war 
was over, they were sadly in need of renovation, after 
their hard usage. 

The day after Mr. Beardsley's departure from Pough- 
keepsie, John Davis was installed by the vestry as 
tenant of the glebe-house. He lived there from Decem- 
ber 14th, 1777, to March 14th, 1780, when, as he wished 
to move off the place, it was offered for rental. 

Poughkeepsie was then the State Capital; the Gover- 
nor was in residence, the Legislature holding sessions 
here, and civil and military officials, lawyers, and men of 
affairs were coming and going. The glebe-house, being 
1 Piatt's History of Poughkeepsie, p. 51. 

59 



The Records of Chr i si Church 

one of the desirable houses in the town, was easily let. 
Colonel Andrew Bostwick, Deputy Foragemaster-General 
of the Army, occupying it from April 13th, 1780, to 
November 12th, 1783, and he being succeeded by Colonel 
Udney Hay, Assistant Deputy Quartermaster-General, 
from November 20th, 1783, to April 20th, 1784. 

When Colonel Bostwick gave up the house he was in 
arrears for rent, and asked the vestry to take his negro. 
Jack, in part payment of his debt; Richard Davis, in 
turn, agreed to take Jack from the vestry, but it proved 
a bad bargain for him. Davis's own account of his 
experience with Jack contains several side-lights on the 
times; it will be noticed that Vermont in 1784 was the 
"New Clames," and that Red Hook was called "Read 
hook," — a contribution to the discussion of the uncer- 
tain origin of the name Red Hook. 

Acc't of a Neagro man Jack Bought of Co'U Andrew 
Bostwick By Order of the Vestry of Christ Church at Pough- 
keepsie in order to secure the payment of a sum of money Due 
to the Congregation of Christ Church at Poughkeepsie & 
Trinity Church at Fishkill, which money became Due for and 
on acc't of Rent for their Glebe & Parsonage at Poughkeepsie. 

Viz: By a Neagro man Jack see Coll 

1783 Bostwick's acc't Ledger B fol 212 a 

Novem'r 22 settlement for £75. 0.0 

the Neagro proved to be onwell all 
winter & was not abel to do hard 
Labour all Winter at times was un- 
der the Doctor's hands and was very 
poorly clothed 
1784 

Septem'r Jack Run a way he Remained with 
me ten months 

To cash paid for hors hier &c &c for 
t\yo men in Persut of him to Read 
hook £ 2. 0.0 

60 



T h e Records oj Christ C h u r c h 

To a Jurney after him myself up to 
Bennington in the New Clames & 

true the New England towns £ 5. 0.0 

To cash paid to have him taken up. . £10. 0.0 
he having bin gilty Steeling a hors 
at Read hook & taken up in Con- 
necticut with said horse by the Au- 
thority, I tought best to ship him be- 
fore our Laws tuck him in hand, my 
trubel & Expence for Irons & going 

Down with him £ 3. 0.0 

To his Expences in Goal at New 

York £ .16.0 

To his cloathing while with me not 

lessthan £ 5. 0.0 

The above is a Large Compensation 
for the short time he was in my ser- 
vis 

1786 

July 15 By Cash Rec'd of Simon Scharma- 

horn at New York, he having shipt 
Jack to Carrolina for my acc't and 
Resque, and Consigned to John 
Johnson, see his acc't of the sales of 

saidNeagro £29. 5. 8 

Lost £45.14. 4 

Fishkill Vestry Dr. to half the loss 

on Jack £22.17. 2 

I do appeal to the Vestry of Christ Church if my Directions 
from them was not to take Jack of Coll. Bostwick, that if their 
was a loss in taking him they would here it, as Coll. Bostwick 
sercumstances was looked upon bad. The Neagro's carrector 
was bad, but it was tought best to take him, as the Vestry of 
Poughkeepsie was Impowered by the Fishkill Vestry to con- 
duct this Business in particular with Bostwick. I think I have 
a Rite to Charge the above. Richard Davis. 

In the leases for the glebe-house, the garden and 
orchard, barn and outbuildings and some farm land 
were included; but the greater part of the land was 

61 



The Records ofChrist Church 

rented separately, for farming purposes only, John Le 
Roy and Francois Van der Bogert being regular and 
profitable tenants for some time. 

When the two hundred acres of waste land, or com- 
mons, were added to the glebe by the charter, the tract 
was already built upon or used by a number of squatters 
who had entered upon the land without any just title, 
but who had come to regard it as their own by right of 
possession. Among them was Samuel Curry, a black- 
smith, occupying about twenty-five acres, who now took 
advantage of Mr. Beardsley's departure and the con- 
fusion in the town, and seized the opportunity to assert 
what he considered his claim as against that of the 
Church. The lack of law and order then existing is 
evident from the harassments Curry inflicted, unrestrain- 
ed, upon John Davis, who was forced to report the matter 
to the vestry in September, 1778. Davis gave a graphic 
account of it, saying: 

In December 1777 I took possession of the Glebe by order 
of the Vestry, and in the winter of 1778 Samuel Curry laid 
Claim to the new Glebe, and in the Spring following began to 
be troublesome to me by throwing down my fences and bars 
in the night and putting in his Horses, and would take them 
out again by break of day: at length he grew more open, put 
them into my meadow in the day time: I catch't his people 
taking them out and forwarned them not to put them in again, 
but it altered not his Conduct. He now began to threaten me, 
and said he would put his Horses into my lotts in defiance of 
me, and said further that he would turn mine out. 

In the summer of 1778 I ploughed the field which lays next to 
the place where John Wilson's House stood, and sewed Buck- 
wheat thereon. And I let John Wilson have a part of the said 
field to plant Corn in, upon shares. Curry put his Horses and 
Cows in. I sent them to the pound. He took them out 
again, and put them into my field again. I prosecuted him 
for damages, before Peter Tappen Esquire. He appeared, 

62 



The Records ofChrist Church 

and demurred upon title, and then it was left to the Courts 
above. 

He then openly committed all the damage he thought proper, 
turned in his Horses and Cattle and destroyed my Buckwheat 
and Corn. Came in and Cut all the grass which was fit for 
mowing in the valeys of the said field, and finally took pos- 
session of the aflForsaid field and a piece of uninclosed land 
(part of glebe) laying to the North East of the said field and 
in the enclosing of which he frequently took my Rails from 
my fence and put them on his fence, which he made to inclose 
the said piece of land. 

To the above damages I believe that Leonard Lewis, John 
Seabury, Francis Kip, John Boorum, John Van Wagener, and 
John LeRoy are well acquainted with — 

John Davis. 

John Davis, having taken this affair into court, the 
vestry appointed him, with his brother, Richard Davis, 
and William Emott a committee to take charge of the 
suit, and defend the Church's title. The committee 
promptly engaged Richard Morris and Egbert Benson 
as their attorneys, but the suit, for some reason not 
stated, did not come to trial until nine years later, 
Curry all that time withholding the land, when, in 
June, 1787, Curry "suffered Judgement to go against him 
by default." 

One of the two attorneys chosen in 1778 by the com- 
mittee — Egbert Benson — was then a young lawyer, 
just at the opening of a distinguished career; he had 
been made Attorney-General of New York the previous 
year, and was a member of the Council of Safety and of 
the Legislature. As Poughkeepsie was the seat of the 
State Government, he opened an office here, and, after 
the war, when services were resumed, became a contribu- 
tor to the support of Christ Church. In his later years 
he was a member of Congress, a Justice of the Supreme 



The Records ojChrist Church 

Court of New York, and of the Circuit Court of the 
United States. 

In May, 1777, a Board of Sequestration was created by 
the State to take charge of and lease the property for- 
feited by Tories, and in 1784 an act of the Legislature 
was passed, further providing for the "speedy sale of 
confiscated and forfeited estates" by the Commissioners 
of Forfeiture, 

Dr. Samuel Cooke of Poughkeepsie called the attention 
of these Commissioners to the twenty-three acre lot, for 
which Mr. Beardsley had been given a deed originally, 
but which the charter had confirmed to the Church. 
Dr. Cooke was a resident physician, in practise at Pough- 
keepsie from 1767, who seemed to be alive to the chance 
of obtaining bargains in real estate through the sales 
made by the Commissioners of Forfeiture. He bought, 
as has been mentioned, ninety-six acres of Mr. Crannell's 
land, and apparently attempted to secure the twenty- 
three acre lot by having it confiscated as the property of 
the departed Tory clergyman. 

William Emott wrote Mr. Beardsley, later, regarding 
Dr. Cooke's action, that^ the confiscation "was Averted 
By our personal appearance before the Governor, 
Attorney-General, and board of Commissioners, Where 
our title was duly examined. And your Agency mani- 
fested by the Records remaining in the Secretary's oflfice, 
whereby you obtained the title and confirmation for the 
Corporation, without any reservation; expressly de- 
claring that the Church were the sole proprietors of the 
said lands." 

Although the church was closed while the war lasted, 
and many of its members regarded with suspicion by the 
1 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 14. 

64 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Whig party, there were still those who disregarded these 
conditions sufficiently to welcome three visits from 
Episcopally ordained ministers. Mr. Provoost came 
down from East Camp in August, 1779, and baptized ten, 
and in September, 1782, and September, 1783, the Rev. 
Richard Clarke, of St. John's Church, New Milford, 
Connecticut, was here, and performed in all twenty-three 
baptisms. Whether services were held, does not appear. 
It suggests an amount of vitality, hardly to be expected 
in the congregation as it emerged from under the strain 
of war, that, as soon as peace was declared, it became 
known as desirous of calling a rector. Mr. Henry Van 
Van Dyck, of Stratford, who had acted as lay reader to 
some extent in Connecticut, had decided to take Orders, 
and in 1784 visited Poughkeepsie with the object of 
effecting an arrangement with Christ Church for a call 
thereto, so soon as he should have been ordained. He 
held services in the church on the 20th and 24th of June, 
and, on the first occasion, produced so favorable an 
impression, that, without waiting for the second, a 
subscription was opened June 23d for pledges for a 
salary for him. The Dutch Church was then, and for 
some years after, without a pastor, and was still weak 
from its division over the ordination dispute. The 
few English Presbyterians in Poughkeepsie also had no 
minister, and they, as well as the Dutch, were therefore 
ready to join with the representatives of the English 
Church to promote the interests of the latter, and a 
combined list of ninety signatures was obtained for 
the pledge to support Mr. Van Dyck as Rector. Four of 
those who signed specified that their subscriptions were 
made until the other pulpits were filled, but it remained 
for canny Colonel Hay to still further safeguard his, 

65 



The Records ojChrist Church 

with the qualification "well" filled, and to underscore 
the "well." 

B. Ebenezer Badger; Valentine Baker; Isaac Balding; Isaac 
Balding Jr.; William Balding; John Barns; ElishaBedle; 
Isaac Brooks. 

C. Caleb Carman; David Carpenter; John Chamberlain; 
Francois Chandonet; William M. Cook; 

D. Richard Davis; Richard Davis Jr. ; John Davis; Richard 
De Cantillon; Lavina De Lametter; James Douglass; 
Henry Du Bois; Daniel DuflPee; Jacob K. Duryea, "until 
the Dutch suppUed with minister." 

E. Conrad V D.Elmendorf; WiUiamEmott; Richard Ever- 
itt. 

F. Abraham Ferdon; Zachariah Ferdon ; Aaron Forman. 

G. James P. Germond. 

H. James Hall; Charles Hay, "until the Presbeterian pulpit 
is filled;" Udney Hay, "until the Presbyterian Pulpit ia 
we/Z filled;" Stephen Hendrickson ; Robert Hoflf man, "un- 
til the Dutch Church is supl'd with a minister;" Martin 
Hoffman; Judith Hooper. 

K. Jonas Kelsey ; Eliazbeth Kip. 

L. N.Lawrence; Daniel Leffeerts; John Le Roy Jr. ; James 
Livingston; Beekman Livingston; Robert H. Living- 
ston; William Louder. 

M. Silas Marsh; Uriah Mitchell; Jacob Mott; John Mott; 
Henry Mott; Joseph Mott Jr.; Thomas Mott. 

N. Robert North; Robert Noxon; Simon Noxon. 

O. Henry Ostrom. 

P. John Pinkney; Thomas Poole; John Pride; James 
Pritchard. 

R. Jacob Radclift. 

S. George Sands; Paul Schenck; Peter Schryver; David 
Seaman; Daniel Smith; Israel Smith; Samuel Smith; 
Samuel Smith, boatman; Richard Snedeker; Joseph 
Southard; Stephen Stephens. 

T. JohnTappen; Peter Tappen, "until the Dutch Church is 
Supp'd with a Minister;" John Ter Bush; William Terry, 
silversmith; William Terry, hatter; John Thomas. 

66 



The Records ojChrist Church 

V. James Van Blorcum; Jane Van Kleeck; Myndert Van 
Kleeck; Peter B. Van Kleeck; John Peter Vemont. 

W. Richard Warner; Thomas Warner; Isaac Wood; Jesse 
Wood; Mary Wood; Melancthon L. Woolsey. 

Negotiations were opened at once with the Church at 
Fishkill with a view to a joint call to Mr. Van Dyck, and, 
on August 8th, 1784, a meeting of committees was held 
at which it was agreed to extend this, he to become minis- 
ter to the two Churches, "whenever he shall receive 
Episcopal Ordination, provided such Ordination does 
take place within a Reasonable term of time." Mr. 
Van Dyck held service in Christ Church on August 1st, 
and the following Sunday at Fishkill. In October he 
again visited the congregations, and, the 4th of that 
month, committees from the two Churches met to com- 
plete the terms of his call. At this meeting the action 
taken on August 8th was ratified, and it was settled that 
one-third of Mr. Van Dyck's time should be given to 
Fishkill, and two-thirds to Poughkeepsie, for which he 
was to be given the use of the glebe, £40.0.0 in cash 
annually from Fishkill, and £80 .0.0 from Poughkeepsie, 
partly in cash and partly in firewood. 

Churchmen in Connecticut, in the autumn of 1784, 
were eagerly awaiting the result of the journey to Eng- 
land of the Rev. Samuel Seabury,^ who had been 
elected by them as Bishop of Connecticut, and who had 
then sailed to seek consecration at the hands of the 
Bishops of the English Church. 

When the political tie with the mother-country was 
severed by the issue of the Revolutionary V\^ar, the 
situation of the missions and parishes of the Church of 
England in America was precarious. Many of them had 

1 Son of the Missionary to Dutchess County. 

67 



The Records of Christ Church 

been largely dependent for support upon the Society for 
the Propagation of the Gospel, and these stipends were 
now withdrawn, as the constitution of the Society limited 
its missionary operations to the colonies and dependencies 
of Great Britain. The Bishop of London had had 
jurisdiction over the colonial Churches, and it became a 
grave question how to obtain Episcopal administration 
for the weak and poverty-stricken congregations. Con- 
necticut rallied to a strong effort, elected Mr. Seabury, 
and despatched him with her prayers on his difficult 
embassy, — difficult, because political considerations 
made the reception of him by the English clergy an 
indifferent one, not to say chilling. Their attitude led, 
finally, to his carrying his quest to Scotland, where he had 
better fortune. At Aberdeen, on November 14th, 1784, 
Mr. Seabury was consecrated by Bishops of the Scottish 
Church, returning to Connecticut the following summer. 
It was for his arrival, therefore, that the Church at 
Poughkeepsie must wait, before Mr. Van Dyck could be 
ordained and assume the Rectorship. While so waiting, 
it was determined in December, 1784, that the church 
should be pewed, an evidence of some revival of material 
prosperity. It was voted to raise the money for the 
work by subscription, and, when the pews were built, to 
rent them annually by auction; the proceeds of each 
auction were to be applied to the repayment of the sub- 
scriptions, until those were all refunded. £115.18.0 
was subscribed by sixty-nine persons, and forty-two 
pews built; number six was "reserved for Clergyman's 
family," and the "two pews nearest the door, each side 
of the Broad He left unhired for the use of strangers.** 
Those who subscribed were: 

68 



The Records ofChrist Church 

A. Nathaniel Ashiord. 

B. Ebenezer Badger; Theodorus Bailey; Valentine Baker; 
Isaac Baldin; Isaac Baldin Jr. ; William Baldin; William 
Barns; Egbert Benson; Thomas Beyeaux. 

C. John Chamberlain Esq.; Francois Chandonet; John 
Cooke; Cook & Hopkins. 

D. Henry Davis ; John Davis ; Richard Davis ; RichardDeCan- 
tillon; Timothy Doughty; Henry DuBois; Daniel Duff ee. 

E. William Emott; Richard Everitt. 

F. Zachariah Ferdon; Joakim Fosburgh. 

H. Charles Hay; Udney Hay; Stephen Hendricksen; Mar- 
tin Hoffman; Robert Hoffman. 
J. Samuel Johnson 

L. N. Lawrence; Daniel Lefferts; John Le Roy; William 

Louther; Gilbert Livingston; Gilbert I. Livingston. 
M. Henry Mott; Jacob Mott; John Mott; Joseph Mott Jr. 
N. Robert Noxon; Simon Noxon. 
O. Andreas Ostrander. 

P. Ezekiel Pinkney; Thomas Pinkney; Thomas Poole; 
James Pritchard; John Pride. 

R. James Rogers. 

S. Israel Smith; Robert Smith; Samuel Smith Esq'r; Sam- 
uel Smith, skipper; Richard Snedeker. 

T. John Tappen; Peter Tappen; Cornelius Ter Bush. 

V. James VandenBurgh; John VandeBurgh; Baltus Van 
Kleeck; Jane Van Kleeck; John Van Ifleeck; Myndert 
Van Kleeck; Peter B. Van Kleeck; John P. Vemont; 
Samuel Verplanck. 

W. Melancthon Woolsey. 

When the vestry of Christ Church first proposed to the 
vestry of Trinity that they should unite in asking Mr. 
Van Dyck to become their Rector, the Fishkill Church 
declared their readiness to do so, provided a question then 
under debate between them should be submitted to 
arbitration.^' ^ 

1 Appendix, Fishkill papers, No. 33. 

2 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 14. 

69 



The Records ofChrist Church 

This question was, in brief, whether the two hundred 
acres of commons, added by the charter to the original 
glebe, belonged to the two Churches jointly, or to 
Christ Church alone. This was not specifically mention- 
ed as a point at issue until April, 1784, although there had 
never been accord and agreement on the subject of the 
glebe from the time the charter for Christ Church was 
obtained. But, in the discussion of Trinity's interest in 
the glebe, that took place in 1773-1774-1775, Mr. 
Beardsley being, then, still in residence, the two hundred 
acres are not referred to in any records remaining in the 
possession of Christ Church. 

In 1784, the crux of the situation presented itself as 
whether Mr. Beardsley, who had conducted the business 
of the application to the Council for a grant, had, in 
doing so, intended his action to benefit one or both of the 
Churches. It is diflScult, at the present time, to see why 
this was not easily determined from him in the three 
years preceding his removal, or, why this particular 
diflSculty was not referred to then, and it is much to be 
regretted that more does not appear of the arguments and 
proof advanced by the congregation at Fishkill. 

An arbitration having been agreed to, it was decided 
in August, 1784, to invite Dr. Samuel Johnson and the 
Rev. Mr. Leaming, two of the leaders among the clergy 
of Connecticut, to act as arbitrators. Their inability to 
serve delayed the matter somewhat, but, finally, on the 
8th and 9th of March, 1785, the conferrees met at James 
Annin's inn at New Hackensack, the arbitrators being 
Judge Isaac Smith of Lithgow, chosen by Poughkeepsie, 
Martin Wiltsie, Esq., of Rombout, chosen by Fishkill, 
and Samuel Verplanck of Rombout, chosen by Messrs. 
Smith and Wiltsie. The representatives of the two 

70 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Churches were, for Trinity, John Ilalstead, Daniel Ter- 
Bos, Dr. Jeremiah Cooper, Benjamin Snider, Philip 
Pine, Jonas Halstead, Thomas Southard, Obadiah 
Cooper, "Mr. Cooke" and "Mr. Southard;" for Christ 
Church, Richard Davis, William Emott, Robert Noxon, 
John Davis, James Pritchard, Isaac Balding Jr. and 
Ebenezer Badger. 

"When the parties mett at New Hackensack" (to 
quote the words^ of William Emott), "It was discovered 
we did not stand on equal ground, they not being incor- 
porated. The Articles of Submission^ were therefore 
executed by individuals, in which they pledged themselves 
to each other on their honour and good faith." 

A brief for Christ Church,^ prepared by John Davis for 
this occasion, after rehearsing the circumstances under 
which the charter and grant were obtained, says : 

"Since which time an Unhappy dispute has arisen 
between the Corporation of Christ Church in 
Poughkeepsie and the Vestry and Congregation of 
Fishkills, on account of said two Hundred Acres 
granted as Aforesaid : the people of Fishkill say that 
the two Hundred acres ought of Right to be a part 
of the Glebe and that they should be equal to the 
Poughkeepsie people in it, and do accuse the mem- 
bers of Poughkeepsie Church of unfair dealing in 
Obtaining the Land to themselves, and say farther 
that Mr. Beardsley had said it was for both Congre- 
gations. 

"We, the Members of the Corporation of Christ 
Church as above said, do deny that we have used any 

1 Appendix, Fishkill papers, No. 33. 

2 Appendix, Fishkill papers. No. 12. 

3 Appendix, Fishkill papers, No. 14. 

71 



The Records ofChrist Church 

unfair or underhanded means in giting the land, 
but that we have Obtained it Justly and uprightly; 
furthermore we say that we have added land to the 
Glebe by which the Fishkill people is benefited as 
well as we; for, by the purchase of the Glebe they 
were entitled to part of the Commons, but, when the 
said Commons was deemed by the Governor and 
Council unpatented, and Consequently Vacant 
Land, the right of the Glebe, and theirs with it, fell to 
nothing. Yet we did obtain a part of the said 
Vacant Land for the Glebe and which we got annex- 
ed to it, as will appear by the Map of the Glebe and 
our Charter; which is the Land Mr. Beardsley told 
the Fishkill people he had Obtained for both Con- 
gregations. 

"In giting the two Hundred acres we acted for our 
Church Only, the same as we did in building of it; 
and we look upon it that a Claim from the Fishkills 
for the walls of our Church would be as Just as the 
one they make to the Land; for Can it be supposed 
that we cannot advance the Interest of our Church 
without giving theirs a part? Surely, no. What- 
ever property the Fishkill Members gets for theirs, 
Can, in our Opinion, in no part whatever be Claimed 
for the Church at Poughkeepsie. 

"We never Negociated this matter Secretly, it was 
agitated pubhckly and openly at New York, and we 
believe not without your knowledge. If Mr. Beard- 
sley told you it was for both Congregations we can't 
help that. He had no authority from us for saying so. 
"We are of opinion that if Mr. Beardsley was 
present he would easily set all Right in that affair, 
and we make no doubt but that his evidence would 



The Records ojChrist Church 

tend verry much in our favour; but, as that Cannot 
now be Obtained we are Constrained to do without 
it. Mr. Beardsley always told us that what he 
meant by telling you it was for the benefit of both 
Congregations was Only the Gore^ annexed to the 
Glebe and not the two Hundred acres. 

"Gentlemen Arbitrators 

"This we think to be a true State of the matter in 
dispute between us and to your Determination we 
most willingly submit it, both for peace, and the 
Churches sake, which we most ardently wish." 

Davis's statemerrtr that the Fishkill Church charged 
unfair dealing on the part of Christ Church is repeated in 
a vestry minute^ of earlier date, in which it was said the 
opinion at Fishkill was "that there must have been a 
fraud or Collusion in that Affair." In a letter^ from the 
vestry of Christ Church to the Rev. John Beardsley in 
New Brunswick is this paragraph also: "One hundred 
acres of the New Land will probably be given up to 
Fishkill; we can make peace upon no other terms; they 
stand ready with a number of witnesses to make appear 
your positive engagements to them in this affair." 

Over against the testimony of the Fishkill witnesses 
must be set that of Mr. Beardsley in a letter* he wrote 
John Davis from Maugerville, September 9th, 1788, — 
"that ye two hundred acres of new land was designed for 
ye use and benefit of Christs Church at Poughkeepsie, 
ye Charter and Grant will fully evince." 

1 The gore was a 30 acre sub-division of the 87 acres of the 
original glebe, as exhibited on a map of October 30th, 1784. 

2 Appendix, Fishkill papers, No. 10. 

3 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 10. 

4 Appendix, Beardsley papers. No. 8. 

73 



The Records oj Christ Church 

The decision of the arbitrators,^ rendered at New 
Hackensack on March 9th, 1785, was that each Church 
was entitled to a full and equal half of both the original 
glebe and of the two hundred acres (the twenty-three 
acre lot always excepted), that the Corporation of Christ 
Church were trustees for the share of the Fishkill con- 
gregation,, and that the latter were -liable to pay the said 
Corporation for one half of the expense incurred in 
obtaining the lands and the charter. 

The handicap under which Trinity Church labored, 
that of the want of incorporation, was removed soon 
after the arbitration. One of the first matters taken up 
by the Legislature of the State of New York upon the 
formal conclusion of peace, was that of relief to con- 
gregations whose affairs had been thrown into confusion 
by the change from dependent to independent govern- 
ment, and in April, 1784, an act was passed "to enable 
Churches to appoint Trustees," etc. This opportunity 
Trinity availed itself of on October 13th, 1785, two of the 
vestry certifying^ on that date that trustees had been 
"elected for the Congregation of Trinity Church in Pre- 
cinct of Rombout, to take charge of the estate and proper- 
ty of the Congregation." 

When the tide of war receded. Episcopal congregations 
throughout the country were left stranded, as so many 
units. Their first need was now felt to be the establish- 
ment of some bond of union, and some arrangement for 
concerted action. To this end the vestry of Trinity 
Church, New York City, invited^ all the congregations 

1 Appendix, Fishkill papers, No. 13. 

2 Dutchess County Clerk's records, Book of Incorporation of 
Churches, p. 258. 

3 Dix: History of Trinity Parish, Vol. 2, p. 103. 

74 



The Records of Christ Church 

in the state to send delegates to a meeting which was 
held in June, 1785, in New York. The purpose of the 
meeting was declared to be the determination of some 
plan of organization, and also the appointment of depu- 
ties from New York to a general meeting of clerical and 
lay deputies from the several Episcopal congregations 
within the United States, which general meeting had 
been announced for the following autumn. 

This gathering in June, 1785, ranks as the first meeting 
of the body which became the Diocesan Convention of 
New York. Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, was repre- 
sented in it by John Davis, and it is gratifying to record 
that he was elected^ by it one of the three lay delegates 
from New York State to the first General Convention of 
the Church, held at Philadelphia in September-October, 
1785. At this first General Convention there was 
adopted a constitution for the Episcopal Church in the 
United States; revisions were made in the liturgy, and a 
Proposed Book of Common Prayer put forth; and steps 
were taken to procure the Episcopate in the line of the 
English Succession. 

As a result of the Philadelphia Convention, a summons 
was issued in 1786 by the clergy of New York City for 
another meeting of representatives of the Churches of 
New York State. In acknowledging the invitation^ to 
send delegates, which was extended by the Rev. Messrs. 
Samuel Provoost (then become Rector of Trinity 
Parish), Abraham Beach and Benjamin Moore, the 
vestry of Christ Church referred to the important 
business matters which the State Convention would 

1 Dix: History of Trinity Parish, Vol. 2, p. 104, and Journal 
of the Convention of the Diocese of Netv York, 1785. 

2 Original letter, Christ Church Parish Mss. 

75 



The Records of Christ Church 

have before it. It is interesting to note, in their expres- 
sion of a desire for Church unity, an echo of the dis- 
cussion in the General Convention at Philadelphia of the 
Federal idea of the Church in the United States. This 
was a conception which the New England congregations 
had not yet assimilated. 

After regretting that an engagement for a conference 
with the Fishkill vestry would prevent their being in 
attendance at the New York Convention, the vestry's 
reply reads: 

"It has been reported with us that the New Book 
of Common Prayer will be brought forward at this 
convention. It is impossible for this Congregation 
to judge of its merits, it not having made its way 
among us, and this probably is the case with most 
of the congregations in this State. Should this be 
a true state of facts, We are of Opinion it would be 
for the Interest of the Church to have the matter 
postponed. 

"The success of the application made to the Mother 
church for the Consecration of American Bishops 
will depend much upon our Prudence. That the 
unity of the Church may be preserved is the fervent 
wish of, Gentlemen, your Very humble Servant 
"By order of the Vestry 
"William Emott, Secretary. 

"N. B. 

"Any letters directed to the Church of Poughkeep- 
sie will come safe by our Sloops, one or more of them 
sails from N York every Saturday in the Season, 
they are to be found at Crugers Wharf." 

The parish was still without its Rector when this letter 

76 



The Records ojChrist Church 

was written, although Mr. Van Dyck had been ordained 
by Bishop Seabury in August 1785. After his ordina- 
tion had taken place, the vestry supposed all occasion 
for delay was over, but, to their requests that he should 
remove himself and his family from Stratford to Pough- 
keepsie, he returned excuses which somewhat nettled 
them. Mr. Van Dyck, on his part, was loath to tell 
the real difficulty, but finally he made known to the 
vestry that he owed a debt to a creditor in New York 
City, which he had not funds to meet, and that the laws, 
in force in the State of New York, regarding debtors, 
rendered him liable to arrest and imprisonment if he 
came within the state to live. 

By the agency of Egbert Benson, to whom the vestry 
entrusted the matter, a settlement was ultimately reach- 
ed with the creditor, and, as it fortunately happened that 
the Legislature of New York modified the State code 
concerning debtors at about this time, it became possi- 
ble for Mr. Van Dyck to enter upon his charge. 

An amendment made to the original terms agreed upon 
with him provided that he was to divide his time equally 
between Christ and Trinity Churches, and on Whit- 
sunday (May 27th), 1787, his rectorate began. The 
correspondence and proceedings relating to his call are 
printed in full in the Appendix, as they contain local 
color which it is worth while to preserve. 



77 



CHAPTER IV 

1787-1798 

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE UNITED 
STATES. THE RELATION OF CHRIST CHURCH TO EXTRA- 
PAROCHIAL CONDITIONS. THE DEBT ON THE CHURCH 
BUILDING. THE SALE OF THE GLEBE. SETTLEMENT 
WITH TRINITY CHURCH, FISHKILL. LAW SUITS WITH 
TRESPASSERS ON THE GLEBE. SHORT RECTORATES. 
THE BELL. THE STEEPLE. ADOPTION OF NEW SEAL. 
NAME OF CORPORATION ALTERED. VESTRY BY-LAWS. 
EPISCOPALIANS AT RED HOOK. ST. ANN's CHURCH, 
BEEKMAN. CHANGES IN CONGREGATION OF CHRIST 
CHURCH. GIFT FROM TRINITY CHURCH, NEW YORK. 
NAMES OF PEWHOLDERS, 1785-1798. 

IN the years immediately succeeding the first General 
Convention, the attention of Episcopalians in the 
United States was centered upon the three chief 
subjects which had occupied the deliberations of that 
assembly, those being the constitution, the Prayer Book, 
and the procurement of an American Episcopate. 

Dr. William White, Rector of Christ Church, Phila- 
delphia, had been the constructive force in the Conven- 
tion, and continued many years as a leading influence 
in the Church. To his statesmanlike ability is due the 
drafting of its constitution, and to his foresight and 
clear vision we owe the formation of a united Church 
of National scope, rather than an aggregation of separate 
State bodies. 

The latter condition is what would, approximately, 

78 



The Records ojChrist Church 

have resulted, if the poHey of Bishop Seabury of Connec- 
ticut had prevailed, a policy moulded by certain under- 
lying facts which affected his point of view. He had 
obtained his consecration from nonjuring Bishops in 
Scotland, whose status, so far as Apostolic Order was 
concerned, was valid, but who were under the proscrip- 
tion of the State. They were the ecclesiastical de- 
scendents of certain Bishops of the Established Church of 
England, devoted adherents of the House of Stuart, who, 
when the Stuarts were overthrown, refused to take the 
oath of allegiance to their successors, and thereby came 
under a political ban, and put themselves out of union 
with the State Church. 

These circumstances evolved among them a tendency 
to lay stress upon Apostolic Order to the exclusion of all 
other considerations. Bishop Seabury showed himself 
influenced by their school of thought in his belief that 
Churchmen in this country had no right to proceed in the 
adoption of a constitution until full Episcopal organiza- 
tion had been effected, and he administered his diocese 
for some years without much regard for the proceedings 
of the congregations of the Middle and Southern States 
in Convention assembled. 

Dr. White, on the other hand, held that the exigencies 
of the time demanded that the congregations should be 
held together by some definite action toward union, and 
that the Convention, with the formulation by it of the 
constitution, was a prime necessity. He considered it 
equally essential to the well being of the Church that it 
should be in harmony with the mother-Church of Eng- 
land, and, at the same time, adapt itself independently 
to new political conditions and assume a National char- 
acter, and, to secure these ends, he advocated that appli- 

79 



The Records ofChrist Church 

cation be made at once to the Archbishop of Canterbury 
for the bestowal of the Episcopate upon the Church in 
America. 

The Convention agreed with Dr. White's opinions, 
and prepared an address to the English Primate, setting 
forth its desires. The address was entrusted for pre- 
sentation to John Adams, Minister to St. James', and his 
able offices in its behalf led, in time, to its being favorably 
acted upon. 

The congregations in New York State, on June 13th, 
1786, elected Samuel Provoost as Bishop, and those in 
Pennsylvania, on September 14th, chose Dr. White. 
These two candidates sailed together for England in 
November, 1786, and, on February 4th, 1787, were con- 
secrated at Lambeth, the consecrators being the Arch- 
bishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishop of Bath and 
Wells and the Bishop of Peterborough. A little later 
Virginia elected James Madison, who also went to 
England for consecration, receiving the same September 
19th, 1790. Bishop Madison being the necessary canonical 
third for the perpetuation of the English Succession, the 
foundations of the infant Church in the United States 
were laid; all its Bishops, since, trace back to White, 
Provoost and Madison. Some trace to Seabury also, 
as he joined with the other three in the consecration of 
Bishop Clagett in 1792, and Clagett thereafter joined in 
four consecrations. 

Although much had been accomplished toward placing 
the Church upon a sound basis, its progress lagged for a 
generation. Men and means had been exhausted by the 
Revolutionary struggle, and a period of transition had to 
be undergone both by Church and Nation. The con- 
dition of the Church as a whole was reflected by that of a 

80 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

single diocese, and the condition of a diocese by a single 
parish. In New York the episcopate of Bishop Pro- 
voost (1787-1801) is almost coterminous with one of the 
natural divisions of time into which the history of Christ 
Church falls of itself, and which is considered in this 
chapter. Bishop Provoost had been an ardent patriot 
in the Revolution, and his identification with the Ameri- 
can cause gave him an influence tending to allay popular 
distrust of the Episcopal Church. He spoke no dis- 
tinctive word to the Church, however, in doctrine or in 
spiritual teaching, and his administration of the diocese 
is marked chiefly by the encouragement which, as 
Rector of Trinity Parish, he was able to give the rural 
congregations in timely donations from Trinity's treasury. 
His long residence at East Camp had given him greater 
familiarity with the Church at Poughkeepsie than he 
would otherwise have had, and this was supplemented by 
the fact that his daughter and her husband, Cadwallader 
D. Colden, made their home at Poughkeepsie for a few 
years. Colden joined the coterie of able lawyers gather- 
ed in Poughkeepsie, and is said to have prepared himself 
among them for his later distinguished work at the bar, 
and as Mayor of New York, and Congressman and Sena- 
tor. While here, he served Christ Church as a vestry- 
man, and as lay delegate to the Diocesan Convention; 
in 1793 and 1794 he was elected to the standing committee 
of the diocese, the Rector of the parish (the Rev. George 
Hartwell Spierin) also being a member of that com- 
mittee in 1794. 

In the first Diocesan Convention held after Bishop 
Provoost was consecrated (that of October 1787), the 
Book of Common Prayer was under consideration, but 
Christ Church Vestry Minutes record on December 4th, 

81 



The Records of Christ Church 

that "William Emott reported that nothing was done 
at the Convention respecting the Book of Common 
Prayer. The matter was left for the consideration of the 
next General Convention; the Churches meanwhile are 
at liberty to use the Old or New Book at their discretion. 
***** Bishop Provoost signified his intention of Visit- 
ing our Church early in the Spring in order to administer 
the Ordinance of Confirmation, and to enquire into the 
state of our Church." 

This is the only mention of confirmation in the records 
of the parish until 1805, and whether a visitation were 
actually made in 1788, as proposed, does not appear. 

After the Diocesan Convention of 1790, at a vestry 
meeting December 21st, "Messrs. Emott and Badger 
reported that they, on the first Tuesday of last month 
attended the Convention held in Trinity Church in the 
City of New York, and took their seats as Representa- 
tives from this Church. Bishop Provoost ***** en- 
joy ned upon the Churches belonging to his Diocese to 
present the State of their respective Congregations, 
thro' their deputies, at the next Convention. The writ- 
ing to be delivered in under the hands of the Minister and 
Churchwardens. Those Churches which have no clergy- 
man, by the Churchwardens only, or Trustees, as the 
case may be. He has it in contemplation to visit the 
Churches on the Hudson whenever circumstances will 
permit. The Convention have deliberated upon ways 
and means for a Temporary Supply of Clergymen to the 
vacant congregations in the Country ; for which end they 
are endeavoring to establish a Fund. All monies that 
are to be raised for that Pious purpose to be paid into the 
hands of their newly elected Treasurer, Mr. Hubert Van 
Wagenen, together with the yearly donations for Support- 

82 



The Records of Christ Church 

ing the Episcopate, * * * so as to enable them to send 
forth an Itinerant Minister, or Ministers." 

In compHanee with the request of Bishop Provoost, 
this report of the state of Christ Church was prepared by 
the vestry, for presentation to the Convention of 1791: 

Right Rev'd Sir 

We, the Church wardens of Christ Church at Poughkeepsie, 
in conformity to your request, signified to our delegates at the 
last Convention, make known to you the State of our Church. 

The Church here, is a very decent building, erected at the 
eve of the late war. It was judged expedient at that period 
to loan £200 to forward the building, on the credit of our sub- 
scriptions; but the Convoultions of the Country prevented 
their collection, whereby we have lost upwards of £300, and 
the debt still remains to be discharged. Destitute of other 
resources for the immediate payment of so large a sum, we 
have advertized our Glebe for sale. 

Since the peace, we have repaired and pewed the Church, 
and purchased a bell. At present the congregation are desti- 
tute of a clergyman by the removal of the Rev'd Henry Van 
Dyck last Spring. Arrangements are making for procuring 
a Pastor; no person has yet been fixed upon. 

From the exertions of our people, our Local Situation, and 
the Friendly disposition of the Dutch Minister and his Con- 
gregation, hopes are entertained of our Church becoming 
respectable here. The Town of Poughkeepsie and its vicinity 
contain 40 Episcopal families and 20 Episcopalians not in- 
cluded in the above families; from this enumeration it is ob- 
vious that at present a Minister can not be supported here un- 
less a junction is formed with some other Congregation. 
This we have assurances of. 

The Countenance of the Bishop and his Clergy upon us will 
no doubt be attended with Sallutary effects. 

We are. Right Re'd Sir, with sentiments of Respect, 
Your Humble Servants 
The Right Rev'd Sam'l Rich'd Davis Ky , 

Provoost D.D. Bishop of Wm. Emott ) ^^^''^^^«- 
the Episcopal Church, N. Y. 

Accompanying the report are the names of "Heads of 

83 



The Records ofChrist Church 



Families and individual Episcopalians in Poughkeepsie 
Town and its Vicinity." Thirty-nine families, and 
seventeen individuals, only, are listed; the fortieth 
householder is easily discovered in John Davis, who made 
the list and omitted to include himself, but the three 
missing^names of individuals cannot be supplied. 



Names of Heads of Families 
Church in Poughkeepsie 
September 
Ebenezer Badger 
Nathan Bailey 
Isaac Balding 
Willm. Balding 

Balding 

Thomas Beyeaux 
Henry Beyeaux 
James Callow 
Jas. Callow Junr. 
Francois Chandonet 
John Cooke 
Richard Davis 
John Davis 
William Emott 
John Ferdon 
Abraham Ferdon 
Captain Gill 
John GuUen 
Daniel Lefferts 
John Medlar 



belonging to the Episcopal 
Town and Its Vicinity 
6th, 1791 

Peter Mesier 
Henry Mott 
Daniel Nash 
Robert Noxon 
Samuel Pinkney 
John (Pioner?) 
Thomas Poole 
Nicholas Power 
James Pritchard 
Henry Relay 
Samuel Smith 
Abel Smith 
Frederick Smith 
Daniel Smith 
Joseph Southard 
Stephen Stevens 
Archibald Stewart 
Asahal Thrasher 
Joseph WiUemey 
Isaac Wood 



Persons names Episcopalians not Heads of Families 



Mrs. Baker 
Mrs. Barber 
Mrs. Beckwith 
Mrs. Billings 
James Cooper 
John Crooke 
Henercha Horner 
Mrs. Kettletas 
Mrs, LeRoy 



WilUam Lowder 
John Mott 
Mrs. Sloan 
Cath'n Sloan 
George Smith 
Samuel Thompson 
Mrs. Williams 
Richard Warner 



The Records of Christ Church 

The outline of the financial affairs of the parish, given 
by the vestry in its statement to the Bishop, while brief, 
is comprehensive, and affords a clear understanding of the 
crisis that had been reached. This is seen to have been 
caused by the debt remaining on the church building, 
which was owed to Richard and John Davis. They, in 
conjunction with Mr. Crannell, had in 1775 borrowed 
£200 from Elias Desbrosses of New York, one of the 
wardens of Trinity Church, and applied the money to 
the building fund. Later, Richard Davis personally 
cancelled the note to Mr. Desbrosses, and himself 
became the creditor of the Church; but it was not until 
1796 that the Church paid its indebtedness to him in 
full. 

As a means of removing this incumbrance, it was 
proposed to raise money, either by selling or mortgag- 
ing the glebe. The glebe-house had had a succession 
of occupants since Mr. Beardsley's departure. John 
Davis, Colonel Bostwick and Colonel Hay, from 1777 
to 1784, were followed by John P. Vemont from 1784 
to 1785; then, for a year, while the congregation were 
waiting for Mr. Van Dyck's arrival, the place was 
farmed for his benefit; growing doubtful of his coming, 
it was let for a year to Zopher Weeks (1786-1787), and, 
finally, Mr. Van Dyck took possession as Rector in 
May, 1787. 

It would be interesting to know more of the identity of 
the fourth tenant. His full name, given on the register 
of the Dutch Church, at the time of his marriage in 1782, 
to a member of that congregation, was "Charles Martin 
John Peter De Vemont," and the United States Census 
of 1790 enrolls him as "Jean Pierre Vemont." Usually, 
he was mentioned as "John P. Vemont," and he is known 

85 



The Recor ds of C hr i s t Church 

to have been a merchant at Poughkeepsie, and captain, 
major, etc., of a local troop of horse, 1786-1803. Two 
other men of distinctly French names are at this time 
mentioned in the parish records, and as these names are 
not found among the familiar Huguenot patronymics of 
the Hudson River valley, they excite a bit of curiosity. 
Were their owners flotsam and jetsam of political 
troubles in France, or did one or two of them cross with 
the French allies during the war? Francois Chandonet 
was at Poughkeepsie in 1779 as an Assistant Deputy 
Quartermaster-General in the Army; he remained here, 
married a daughter of Richard Davis, joined in the 
river trade, and was a parishioner of Christ Church, 
Richard De Cantillon was established at Hyde Park by 
1770. He conducted the business at the Upper Landing 
there, and his sloops brought cargoes of sugar and rum 
from the West Indies in exchange for great quantities of 
Dutchess County corn, shipped from his storehouse and 
landing. He must have been an Episcopalian at heart, 
for, although he lived seven miles away, he was a pew- 
holder in the Poughkeepsie church. 

From the spring of 1787 to that of 1791, the glebe- 
house was occupied by the Rector, the Rev. Henry 
Van Dyck, and, during his incumbency, it was planned 
to mortgage the property. On April 12th, 1790, a 
meeting was held at Poughkeepsie by the vestry of the 
Fishkill Church and that of Christ Church, at which 
was passed the resolution "that Peter Mesier is hereby 
empowered by the respective Corporations to Negotiate 
a Loan for them of £200, for which they will give 
good landed Security, namely the parsonage house and 
old Glebe lands." The instructions given Mr. Mesier 
were: 

86 



The Records oj Christ Church 

Sir 

You will make application to the Corporation of Trinity 
Church in New York for that purpose. We flatter ourselves 
they will not be unconcerned spectators at what may be the 
ruin of two of their sister Churches, when it is in their power, 
without hazarding their Interest, to prevent it. 

Be pleased to inform them wherein the necessity of the 
measure is founded. It arises from these circumstances, — 
the late war eventually shut up our Churches, our Clergyman 
was removed, and our respective Congregations greatly im- 
poverished and dispersed, previous to which period we had in- 
curred a very considerable debt in purchasing a Glebe and 
erecting two churches. 

The pajTiients not being all completed, the Confusion of the 
Times occasioned great losses in our outstanding debts, be- 
sides the depreciated currency paid in to us, which remained 
on our hands, and, Mr. Desbrosses and others residing in New 
York at the time, it was Impossible to make payment to thenu 

At the commencement of the peace we Settled a Clergyman, 
but, being deprived of the Society aid, reduced as we found 
ourselves in point of nmnbers and abihty, it required our whole 
attention, and left arrearages unprovided for. 

The increasing reputation of the Churches here, and the 
pleasing prospect of their increase, give us every reason 
for hope. Our embarassment arises from this source, — our 
Creditors here, many of them for inconsiderable sums, have 
become Clamorous for a mortgage on the parsonage, and not 
having it ui our power to satisfy all, are reduced to the alter- 
native either to borrow money to pay them off, or Comply with 
their request; the danger of which must be obvious, upon this 
ground, — Should any person among them be Hi-inclined, or 
straightened in their circumstances, we shall be at their mercy 
in having the mortgage foreclosed, accumulated Cost to de- 
fray, the Glebe sold for an inconsiderable sum, our Pastor ob- 
liged to leave us, and the Churches annihilated. 

If the Church in New York will reach forth her helpiog hand 
in Complying with our request, we shall escape these serious 
diflSculties, and she be perfectly secure. 

This application may be considered by some gentlemen as 
extraordinary — our situation is peculiar — but, to avoid pro- 
lixity, we shall only add that our Confidence is such in your 

87 



The Records oj Christ Church 

knowledge of the state of our Churches that you will be able 
■ to vouch for most of the Facts herein Contained. 
We are with Friendship and esteem Sir 
Your humble servants 

Ebenezer Badger, Sec'y, in behalf of Christ 

Church. 
John Cooke, in behalf of Trinity Church. 
To Peter Mesier, Esq. 

Peter Mesier, thus appointed to negotiate a mortgage 
loan from Trinity Church, had been a prosperous mer- 
chant in New York City before the war. He was an 
ardent Tory, and after the war his property in New 
York was confiscated; he therefore came to Dutchess 
County and made a new home for himself. The house 
he built is still standing in the village of Wappingers 
Falls, in Mesier Park, opposite Zion Church, and, as this 
point was midway between the Poughkeepsie and Fish- 
kill churches, and he was a staunch Churchman, he gave 
valuable support to both parishes until his death in 1805. 
He rented a pew in Christ Church at almost every auc- 
tion from 1788 to 1805, and frequently served in the 
Fishkill vestry. 

The application of the Churches to Trinity was, on 
this occasion, unsuccessful, and in April, 1791, upon the 
departure of Mr. Van Dyck, the glebe-house and a few 
adjoining acres were leased to Christian Forrey, who 
remained a tenant until the autumn of 1792. Then, on 
November 14th, the Corporation of Christ Church sold 
the house and two hundred and fifty acres of land to 
John and Andrew Dunn, under a mortgage for £1000.0.0. 
One half of the principal of the mortgage was to be 
paid July 1st, 1793, but the Dunns failed to meet this 
obligation and left Poughkeepsie. The place was there- 
fore rented again, and occupied for sixteen months by 

88 



The Records ofChrist Church 

WilJiam Davis. July 22d, 1795, an auction was held and 
the glebe sold for £1000.0.0 to Nathaniel Bosworth, 
who had been in actual possession since April 1st. By 
the terms of the sale, payment was to be made in three 
installments; Bosworth, however, on January 20th, 1796, 
transferred his recent purchase to Peter De Riemer, and 
the latter completed the payments to the Corporation, 
all together, two days later. 

With part of its share of the cash received from De 
Riemer, Christ Church paid the principal and interest 
of its bond to Richard Davis, and thus, in April, 1796, 
some twenty years after its erection, the church building 
stood free and clear of debt. 

In the proceeds of the sale of the glebe, the Church at 
Fishkill had a joint interest with that at Poughkeepsie, 
and the disposal of the property brought to a close the 
indeterminate negotiations which had intermittently 
taken place between the two vestries ever since the 
arbitration of 1785.^ Articles of union had been drafted 
by each, and proposed for adoption, in order that the 
progress of the parishes might be accelerated; but no 
agreement could be reached, because Trinity made the 
conveyance to them of one-half of the glebe a first con- 
dition to their assent to any other articles, and that 
course the Poughkeepsie vestry believed to be inconsis- 
tent with the charter. 

With gratitude be it said that this tedious entangle- 
ment came to a happy ending on January 2d, 1797, 
amidst the utmost harmony and good will, and with all 
disagreements wiped out and forgotten. A meeting was 
held at Poughkeepsie on that day, at which Trinity 
Church was represented by Daniel C. Verplanck, James 
1 Appendix, Fishkill papers. 

89 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Cooper and Peter Mesier, and Christ Church by William 
Emott, Robert Noxon, Ebenezer Badger, Thomas 
Mitchell, Archibald Stewart and James Bramble. All 
accounts between the two Churches were audited and 
settled, and the Vestry Minutes of Christ Church add 
that '' the whole of the foregoing business was conducted 
with the most perfect unanimity; not a dissenting vote 
appeared on any question agitated by the representa- 
tives of either of the Churches in the above settlement." 
As soon as the sale of the glebe to Nathaniel Bosworth 
had been effected in the summer of 1795, the vestry of 
Christ Church appointed the Rev. Mr. Spierin, Archi- 
bald Stewart, Cadwallader D. Colden and John Davis 
a committee "to Sollicit in behalf of this Corporation, 
by Petition, from the Corporation of Trinity Church, 
some pecuniary assistance," which committee lodged 
the following with the New York vestry : 

To the Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York 
in Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
State of New York. 

The Petition of the Rector and Inhabitants of Poughkeep- 
sie in Commimion of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
State of New York, 

Respectfully Sheweth 

That your Petitioners, about the Commencement of the late 
Revolution, built their Church,, Relying, to pay for it, on Sub- 
scriptions which had been obtained for the purpose. 

That, war coming on, most of the Subscribers forsook their 
Country and left your petitioners loaded with a heavy debt, 
which, with the accumulated Interest of many years, they 
have lately been oblidged to Sell their Parsonage to discharge. 

That the Embarrasments of your petitioners have been 
Increased by the great Expences of Several Law Suits in which 
they have been involved by persons who pretend a Right to 
their property. 

That these persons, it is believed, were encouraged to renew 

90 



The Records ojChrist Church 

their Suits, Notwithstanding the Repeated Decisions of the 
Courts of Law against them, not only by their Enmity to the 
prosperity of the Episcopal Church, but, knowing the Low 
State of the Finances of your Petitioners, by a hope, not with- 
out some Foundation, that your petitioners will be obUdged 
to Sacrifice their Right to a want of means to defend it. 

That their Circumstances Render it Extremely difficult for 
your petitioners to afford a Clergyman Such a Support as will 
be an inducement for him to Remain with them. 

Your Petitioners, knowing the prosperity and wealth of 
your Corporation, and hearing of the Liberality you have so 
Generously Extended towards others, are induced to Solicit 
that your Bounty may be extended to assist a Church as much 
in want as any other Can be. Which, being the only one in so 
populous and Respectable a County, is better Calculated than 
most others to Cherish the Episcopal Interest and to Extend 
its Influence, and which, without some assistance, is in great 
danger of Declining. 

And your Petitioners will ever pray &c 
Septemb 5, 1795. By Order of the Corporation 

Arch Stewart Sec'ry. 

This petition describes a source of anxiety to which the 
Corporation of Christ Church had been subjected, 
second only to that of the debt on the church building. 
There are endless references in the Vestry Minutes^ and 
in the loose manuscripts of the parish, to the annoyances 
suffered from the lesser tenants of the glebe-lands, who 
failed to meet their rent, and from the squatters and 
trespassers with whom the vestry was forced to go to 
law. The Court always upheld the title of the Corpora- 
tion, but the expense of these recurrent suits became a 
serious drain upon the resources of the congregation. 
Samuel Curry occasioned the most trouble; the first 
suit against him he allowed to go by default in 1787: 
the vestry then ejected him under a writ issued by the 
Superior Court, and he retaliated by bringing an eject- 
ment suit against the Corporation. The vestry had the 

91 



The Records oj Christ Church 

counsel of Egbert Benson and Cadwallader D. Golden, 
and when Curry's attempted ejectment came before the 
Supreme Court in June, 1795, it was non-suited.^ Some 
of the lesser trespassers were John Copeman, John and 
Joseph Seabury and Elias Du Bois, against whom judg- 
ments were obtained in the Court of Common Pleas in 
favor of the Corporation. 

In a letter,^ to Mr. Beardsley, about this time, William 
Emott described Christ Church as "in reduced circum- 
stances from the falling ojff of the Fishkill congregation 
which is nearly extinct," and this decrease in the num- 
ber of those contributing toward the support of the Rector 
was undoubtedly one of the causes which led to the 
brevity of the rectorates of Mr. Spierin and Mr. Sayrs, 
who were Mr. Van Dyck's successors; another cause 
was that no parsonage was provided for their use; 
George Hartwell Spierin was Rector from November 13th, 
1792, to December 9th, 1795, and John Johnson Sayrs 
from December 25th, 1795, to February 14th, 1798. 
Mr. Spierin arrived just as the glebe was sold to John 
and Andrew Dunn, and Mr. Sayrs just after it passed to 
Nathaniel Bosworth, and neither of them had the use or 
benefit of house or land. Also, the Dutch Church had 
acquired a pastor, and it is to be supposed that those 
of its members who had attended the English Church 
only temporarily had now withdrawn their support. 

Discouraging as were all these circumstances, there 
were still occasional manifestations of better things. 
January 14th, 1789, "Vestry, impressed with a sense of 
the inconvenience the Congregation have long labored un- 
der for want of a bell, opened a subscription to enable 

1 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 14. 

2 Appendix, Beardsley papers, No. 14. 

92 



MAP OF THE GLEBE IN 1787 
Showing the trespass of Samuel Curry 



~m 



The Records oj Christ Church 

them to purchase a suitable one," with the result that 
£46.11.4 were pledged by : 

B. Ebenezer Badger; Theodorus Bailey; Valentine Baker; 
Isaac Balding; Isaac Balding Jr.; William Balding Jr.; 
William Barber; Egbert Benson; Jacob Bogardus. 

C. David Carpenter; Francois Chandonet; John Cooke; 
James Cooper; John Crooke. 

D. John Davis; Richard Davis; Richard de Cantillon; Du 
Bois & Bailey. 

E. William Emott; Richard Everitt. 
G. John Gullen. 

H. Stephen Hendricksen. 
K. Jonas Kelcey. 

L. Daniel Lefferts; Beekman Livingston; Robert H. Living- 
ston; Livingston & Kent. 

M. Silas Marsh Junr.; Peter Mesier; Henry Mott; John 
Mott. 

P. Thomas Poole; Nicholas Power; John Pride. 

R. Capt. Rutgers. 

S."^ Daniel Smith; Israel Smith; James Scott Smith; Samuel 
Smith; Stephen Stephens; Archibald Stewart. 

T. Peter Tappen. 

V. Myndert Van Kleeck. 

A bell of three hundred pounds weight was purchased 
in September, 1790^ of Doolittle & Goodyear, bell 
founders of Hartford, Conn., for £43.12.18. This 
acquisition was soon supplemented by a clock, the 
vestry, on December 21st, 1790, resolving "that the 
thanks of this Corporation be presented to Major 

1 In 1789 John Davis negotiated for a bell for the church with 
David Ross, bell founder, of Elizabeth Town, N. J., which negotia- 
tions fell through. This correspondence (on file) shows that Davis 
ordered of Ross, in June, 1789, a two hundred and fifty pound bell for 
the Poughkeepsie Court House. 

93 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Andrew Billings for the elegant Time piece he has pre- 
sented to our Church." 

As first built, the church had no spire, only the square 
wooden foundation for one, and in 1792 the vestry 
desired Henry Mott "to prepare a draft for finishing the 
Church steeple," but this lesser matter was crowded out 
for several years by pressure of greater, and it was not 
until April, 1797, that Captain John Mott was " appointed 
to view the situation of the steeple of the Church and or- 
der such repairs as are necessary." A few months later 
the vestry voted " to open a subscription for erecting a 
steeple," and, on December 7th, 1797, £251.4.0 was 
pledged. The lists contain the names of: 

B. Ebenezer Badger; Theodorus Bailey; John Bailey; Isaac 
Balding; William Barber; Jolin Beckwith; William W. 
Bogardus; Jabez Bosworth; James Bramble. 

C. Matthew Caldwell; David Carpenter; Thomas Carr; 
John Cooke; John Crooke. 

D. John Davis; Richard Davis; William Davies; Peter De 
Riemer; Samuel DeRiemer; Lyman Dunning; Abraham 
I. Duryea. 

E. William Emott; Anthony Ernst; Richard Everitt; 
George B. Evertson. 

F. JohnForbus; Jacobus Frear; JohnFrear. 

G. AbelGunn. 

H. Stephen Hendrickson; JohnHobson; Anthony Hoffman; 

Abraham Hoffman; Stephen Hoyt. 
J. Samuel Johnson; John Johnston Esq. 
K. Benjamin Knower. 
L. John Landers; John Laroy; John Lawless, (timber); 

Morgan Lewis; Gilbert Livingston; Henry A. Livingston. 
M. John Manney; Levi McKean; Thomas Mitchell; 

William Moore; John Mott; Henry Mott; Ebenezer 

Mott; Peter Myers. 
N. Daniel Nash; Robert Noxon. 

94 



The Records ojChrist Church 

P. William Palmatier, (cartage); John Patten; Abraham 
Pells; Hendriek Pells. 

R. Peter W. Radclift; John Reade; Henry Relay; John 
Richmond; Matthew Rothery. 

S. The Rev. John J. Sayrs; Philip I. Schuyler; Paul 
Schenck; Abel Smith; James Scott Smith; John Smith, 
(5 days work); Josiah Smith; WiUiam Smith; Archibald 
Stewart; Solomon Sutherland. 

T. Elizabeth Tappen; George Taylor; Smith Thompson; 
James Thome; Thomas TiUotson. 

V. Elias VanBunschoten; Isaac Van Kleeck; James Living- 
ston Van Kleeck; Myndert Van KJeeck; John P. Vemont; 
William B. Verplanck. 

W. John Wigg; Robert Williams. 

In the summer of 1798 the work was carried out, and 
the bills and other treasurer's memoranda afford an 
excellent idea of what was done. There was a belfry, 
approached by a door and stairs, lighted by an oval 
window, and surrounded by a balustrade; the spire 
itself was decorated with scrolls, and surmounted by a 
lightning rod, a gilded vane, and a gilded copper ball 
that weighed nineteen pounds and a quarter. 

August 14th, 1789, the vestry voted to give up the 
seal they adopted in 1773 when the charter was conferred, 
on which a ship was represented, and to substitute for it 
the one, now in use, bearing an ark, a dove with an 
olive branch and a rainbow. The resolution making 
this change offers no explanation for it, and we are left 
free to weave about the action a web of our own senti- 
ment. Did those matter-of-fact, practical men consider 
that their parochial ship had come safely through the 
storms of war to the harbor of peace, and did they wish to 
show their appreciation of the fact? Shall this seal of 
our Corporation stand, therefore, to this generation, as 
the symbol of the living faith of our forefathers? And 

95 



The Records ofChrist Church 

as an earnest to us of our own faith that the parish we 
love will, in adversity and in prosperity, be preserved 
in the safety of the ark and the peace of the olive 
branch, to the hope and promise of the rainbow? ^ 

In 1791 the vestry requested James Kent, member of 
Assembly for Dutchess, to petition the Legislature to 
alter the name of the Corporation (as bestowed by the 
colonial charter) to conform to later political changes, 
which was done, the new title being "The Rector and 
Inhabitants of Poughkeepsie in Communion with the 
Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New York.'* 

James Kent, afterward the famous Chancellor, was a 
resident of Poughkeepsie from 1781 to 1793. He came 
here to study law in the office of Egbert Benson, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1785, entering into partnership 
with Gilbert Livingston. After Christ Church secured 
a Rector in 1787, he contributed to the support of the 
parish. 

It may, perhaps, be traceable to the fact that the Rev. 
Henry Van Dyck was a lawyer before he entered the 
ministry that, during his rectorate, an elaborate set of 
by-laws for the vestry was drawn up. They were 
adopted February 19th, 1790, and throw some light 
upon the conduct of the ordinary affairs of the parish. 
For instance, quarterly vestry meetings were held, and 
a standing committee transacted business in the inter- 
vals; there was a collector for the Rector's salary, and 
his collections, and those of vestrymen on Sundays and 
Holy Days, were to be paid over to a treasurer appointed 

1 On the Great Seal of the United States, adopted June 20th, 1782, 
the American eagle bears an olive branch in one claw. To what extent 
may the Seal of the Nation have served as a suggestion for that of this 
parish? 

96 



The Records ojChrist Church 

by the vestry. The parish clerk, appointed by the 
Rector to assist in divine service, was exempt from salary 
dues, and had the use of a pew for his family; he was to 
receive two shillings for each baptism he recorded in the 
parish register, and the minister was to recommend to 
parents and others that they have baptisms recorded. 
The sexton, appointed by the Rector, was to be paid at 
the rate of two shillings for each Sunday and Holy Day 
when there was service; he was "to decorate the Church 
on Christmas according to ancient usage," "to put up 
and take down the hangings, open and shut the Church 
doors, regulate the time piece, sweep the Church as 
often as may be necessary, ring the bell, notify Vestry 
meetings, and prevent disorders in time of Divine ser- 
vice," and also to mark out and open graves and attend 
all funerals in the churchyard. 

Soon after Mr. Van Dyck's settlement as Rector in 
1787, the Vestry Minutes say, on September 4th, "that 
Mr. Sands attended with an application from a number of 
gentlemen of the Manor of Livingston for a part of Mr. 
Van Dyck's services, to the end that a Church may be set 
on foot among them. Vestry informed Mr. Sands that 
they agree to spare Mr. Van Dyck one-sixth part of the 
time if it suits his convenience to attend them." 

Whether this group of Episcopalians were the same as 
one at Red Hook is uncertain ; the Manor of Livingston 
is not mentioned again, but, on March 24th, 1788, Mr. 
Van Dyck notified the vestry that "the Episcopalians 
at Red Hook also have requested me in their name to 
apply to you for a further addition of every fifth Sunday 
if agreeable to you," and, on June 3rd, he reported that 
"his service at Red Hook has commenced already on 
Sunday 1st of June, 1788," the arrangement being that 

97 



The Records of Christ Church 

he was to give, there, one out of every three of the Sun- 
days he had previously pledged to Christ Church. This 
must have been an abortive attempt to found a parish 
where now is St. Paul's Church, Tivoli. The writer 
knows of no further efforts there until about 1816, when 
services were held by the Rev. Henry Anthon, and St. 
Paul's admitted into union with the diocese in 1817. 

Faint flutterings of Church life are also seen again, at 
this time, in the town of Beekman. On June 10th, 
1793 (under the Act of the Legislature of April 6th, 
1784), Benjamin Snider, John Halstead, William D. 
Williams, Major William Clark, Major Bartholomew 
Van der Burgh and James Cornell were elected Trustees^ 
of the "Protestant Episcopal church assembled at 
Beekmantown in County of Dutchess," and agreed that 
the name of that Church should be St. Ann's. In the 
Diocesan Convention of 1794 Mr. Stephen J. DeLancey 
was present "for Beekmantown," and was recommended 
for Deacon's Orders in compHance with a request from 
the trustees and members of St. Ann's. St. Ann's was 
quickly lost to view, and has left no trace. About 
1850, St. Mary's Mission, at Poughquag in the town 
of Beekman, was under the charge of the Rev. Homer 
Wheaton of Lithgow; but that also was short lived, 
and the Episcopal Church is not at present represented 
there. 

The personnel of the congregation of Christ Church 
in this time of transition is a matter of some moment. 
Writing to Mr. Beardsley in 1796, William Emott said:^ 
"Few, very Few, of your old flock remain here; a new 

1 Dutchess County Clerk's records, Book of Incorporation of 
Churches, p. 21. 

2 Appendix, Beardsley papers. No. 14, 

98 



The Records ofChrist Church 

set of men Supply their places;" a statement substantiat- 
ed by a study of the various lists of names provided by 
the parish records. Some families, of several households 
each, like the Baldwins, the Motts and the Noxons, and 
some ever faithful individuals held over from Mr. 
Beardsley's day, and William Emott and the Davises 
continued to be the controlling power; but new men 
supplanted most of those of the pre-Revolutionary 
period. Among these, Ebenezer Badger should have 
honorable mention, for as pewholder, vestryman, 
warden, he was a devoted member of the parish for 
fifty years. He owned a tannery on the northwest 
corner of Main and Washington streets, and "lived in a 
pleasant house, surrounded by a garden famous for its 
lilacs and other flowers, where the City Hall now stands."^ 
Captain Israel Smith of the Continental Line, one of the 
founders of the New York branch of the Society of the 
Cincinnati, was in partnership with Gilbert Livingston 
in the river trade, and belongs to these post-bellum days 
in the parish. In this time, also, were begun the years 
of service in the vestry of Archibald Stewart of Pough- 
keepsie, and of Daniel Lefferts of the town of Clinton, 
both prosperous merchants. Some of the well known 
men of the town were brought into relation with Christ 
Church by means of the fact that their wives were 
Episcopalians. Major Andrew Billings, Revolutionary 
patriot and expert silversmith, who lived in a house still 
standing on the northeast corner of Academy and Can- 
non streets, long held a pew in Christ Church for his 
wife, Cornelia Livingston; and her uncle, Gilbert 
Livingston, paid his wife, Catherine Crannell, a like 
courtesy. Two other men in this class were Quakers; 

1 Piatt's History of Poughkeepsie, pp. 84-85. 

99 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Valentine Baker, one of the largest taxpayers in Pough- 
keepsie, and Levi McKeen, a banker, whose house was 
approached by a lane leading from Main street to his 
garden gate, which lane thereby came to be called 
Garden street. 

It has been mentioned earlier in this chapter that in 
1795 a petition for financial help was sent by Christ 
Church to Trinity Corporation. Although the vestry 
in New York voted favorably upon this petition not long 
after it was presented, it was three years before their 
gift of £500 .0.0 was received by Christ Church, and, 
when it came, it was in the form of a mortgage on No. 51 
Chapel street. New York City. Attached to the gift 
was the express condition that the money should be used 
for a glebe or parsonage, which was in accordance with 
the policy Trinity then followed. The donation to 
Christ Church was one of a large number made to 
congregations in New York State just at that time for 
that purpose, and herein lies the explanation of the 
failure of the first request for aid made by Christ 
Church, which had suggested that a mortgage against 
the glebe at Poughkeepsie should be taken and held by 
Trinity. 

When the vestry of Christ Church offered their thanks 
for this timely assistance they added: "the good effects 
to be derived from this gratuity, under the smiles of 
Divine providence, will, we trust, be transmitted to the 
Church of which we are members, for ages to come. 
Suitable donations, to such churches in the country 
as are proper objects, is a measure which will increase 
their prosperity beyond all calculation, and will aid them 
to support their pastors in a manner more congenial 
with their feelings, a thing devoutly to be wished for." 

100 



The Records of Christ Church 

Names of Pewholders 
1785-1798 

The pews were sold annually, at auction, except during vacan- 
cies in the Rectorship. The individuals, whose names are here given, 
did not all buy pews every year, but the list includes all those who did 
purchase from 1785 to 1798: 

A. John Addison; Henry Ames. 

B. Ebenezer Badger; Theodorus Bailey; William Bailey; 
Valentine Baker; Isaac Baldin Jr. ; William Baldin; Isaac 
Balding Sr.; Isaac Balding; William Barber; Egbert 
Benson; Henry Benson; Andrew Billings; James Bram- 
ble. 

C. Harry Caldwell; Caleb Carman; Francois Chandonet; 
Cadwallader D. Colden; John Cooke; James Cooper; 
Samuel Cooper; John Crooke. 

D. John Davis; Richard Davis; Richard DeCantillon; 
Lewis DuBois; Mrs. DuBois; Daniel Duffee; Charles 
H. Duncan; Andrew Dunn; John Durm; Abram T. 
Duryea; John Dusenbury. 

E. William Emott; Richard Everitt. 

F. John I. Ferdon; John Z. Ferdon; Zachariah Ferdon- ( ? ) 
Field. 

G. Robert Gill; John GuUon; Abel Gunn. 

H. Charles Hay; Udney Hay; Stephen Hendricksen; An- 
thony Hoffman; Stephen A. Hopkins. 

I. Duncan Ingraham. 

K. Jonas Kelcey; William Kettletas; Benjamin Knower. 

L. Daniel Lefferts; John Le Roy; Gilbert Livingston; Hen- 
ry Livingston Sr. ; William Louder. 

M. Silas Marsh Jr.; Levi McKean; Peter Mesier; James 
Mills; Thomas Mitchell; Henry Mott; John Mott; 
Samuel Mott. 

N. Robert Noxon. 

P. Samuel Pinkney; Charles Piatt; Thomas Poole; Nicho- 
las Power; John Price; James Pritchard. 

R. John Reade; Ezekiel Roe; Eliza Rogers; Mathew Roth- 
ery; Asa Rutza; Henry Rutzer. 

101 



The Records ofChrist Church 

S.| Abel Smith; Daniel Smith; Israel Smith; James S. 

Smith; John Smith; "Capt. Samuel Smith of Poughkeep- 

sie;" Archibald Stewart. 
T. John Tappen; Peter Tappen; Tunis Tappen; John 

Thomas; Robert Thome; Asahal Thrasher; George 

Turnbull. 
V. Elias Van Bimschoten; John E. Van Bunschoten; Jane 

Van Kleeck; Myndert Van Kleeck; John P. Vemont; 

Samuel Verplanek. 
W. Richard Warner; Robert Williams; John Wilson; Me- 

lancthon L. Woolsey. 



10^ 



CHAPTER V 

1798-1810 

the purchase of a parsonage. the rectorate of the 
rev. philander chase. the organization of st. 
Peter's church, lithgow. the parish register. 

DIOCESAN convention HELD IN CHRIST CHURCH. THE 
RECTORATE OF THE REV. BARZILLAI BULKLEY. THE 
SETTLEMENT WITH THE REV. JOHN BEARDSLEY. IM- 
PROVEMENTS TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH. THE 
PURCHASE OF AN ORGAN. NAMES OF PEWHOLDERS, 
1800-1809. 

IT has been stated that the gift of Trinity Corporation 
to Christ Church was made in the form of a mort- 
gage on New York City real estate. More ac- 
curately, the £500 donated was composed of the prin- 
cipal of the mortgage (£341.5.0), eight months interest 
due (£15.18.6), and £142.16.6 in cash. The bond 
and mortgage and the currency were received on June 
25th, 1798, and the vestry decided to try to convert the 
mortgage into ready money in order to be able to pay 
promptly for the new parsonage which this gift was 
intended to provide. Some difficulty was encountered 
in getting the mortgage paid off, and, while the attempt 
to collect it dragged along, they discussed whether it 
would be wiser to build a house themselves, or to buy one. 
The first proposition so far prevailed in the beginning 
that the necessary building materials were purchased, 
and the location of the proposed house considered; 
one plan was to acquire a lot on Church street, then 

103 



The Records oj Christ Church 

newly opened and plotted, which would have been con- 
veniently near the church building; another, which 
William Emott recommended, was to build upon the 
twenty-three acre lot, but that was objected to because 
Mr. Beardsley had never ceased to press his claim to the 
land since his removal to New Brunswick. 

Mr. Emott made a long report to the vestry in Febru- 
ary, 1799, containing the arguments for and against these 
two suggestions, his conclusion being that, whether a 
house were bought or built, one should be in readiness 
for a clergyman by May 1st, 1800, for, said he, naively, 
"the interest of the Church requires an attempt to be 
made for the Settelment of a Discreet pious Clergyman of 
an unblemished Reputation. Such a character, by 
proper industry, and attention to the poor as well as the 
more opulent, would have a tendency to Collect our 
scattered flock and dissipate that Lukewarmness and 
infidelity which prevail in the minds of many, and, under 
the smiles of providence would increase our numbers. 
Respectability, and Resources. To accomplish this 
desireable purpose, great exertions must be made by the 
hearty friends of the Church among us by their personal 
services and liberal contributions. I take it, that, to 
ensure a probability of obtaining a suitable Minister, 
we ought to be enabled to offer him a Salary of £180 
per year and a parsonage house and lot of £40, amount- 
ing to £220." 

In the spring of 1799 opinion veered from the plan 
to build to that of buying, and, on June 4th, John 
Davis, William Davies and William Emott were ap- 
pointed a committee "to confer with Mr. William Smith 
respecting purchasing his house for a parsonage house, — 
and if the house will answer, and they can agree upon 

104 



The Records ojChrist Church 

a price, they are authorized to purchase the farm for that 
purpose." 

WilHam Smith had bought his house and lot "opposite 
the Academy" on May 18th, 1796, subject to a mort- 
gage for £150. The house being favorably considered 
by the vestry, they ordered the building materials they 
had bought to be sold, and this property to be acquired. 
Richard Davis loaned £130 and William Davies £50 
to accomplish the purchase, and on August 1st, 1799, 
the Church came into possession of the house which is 
still standing on the southeast corner of Academy and 
Cannon streets. The consideration named in the deed^ 
was $1,250.00, and the original mortgage,^ executed by 
William Smith, bears an endorsement that on October 
14th, 1800, the principal and interest were paid in full by 
William Emott, treasurer of Christ Church. The 
cancellation of the mortgage was made possible by the 
collection on September 13th, preceding, of $967.50 on 
Trinity's donation. 

In the correspondence regarding its gift to Christ 
Church, Trinity Corporation had been represented by 
Andrew Hammersley, a vestryman, who, when he made 
over the money and securities, delivered himself of the 
following delicious bit: "Your next view is, I sopose, a 
Minister; my opinion is, if he is a Man of real piety he 
will be a great advantage to your Church & if he lacks 
that Qualification he will be a great hurt; he ought to be 
one who understands his business also." 

To procure this paragon of piety and practicality was 
the next task of the vestry. After the departure of the 
Rev, John Johnson Sayrs, the fourth Rector, it had been 

1 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds, Liber 16, p. 64, 

2 Christ Church Parish Mss., Parsonage Papers, No. 8. 

105 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

voted that the church should be opened on Sundays, and 
service conducted each week by the members of the 
vestry in rotation; a committee was also appointed to 
confer with a Fishkill committee in regard to the vacant 
Rectorship. On April 4th, 1799, Messrs. John Davis, 
John Reade and Stephen Hoyt were appointed a com- 
mittee "to engage a Clergyman," and in the course of the 
summer two candidates applied, upon neither of whom 
was an agreement reached by the two parishes. By 
autumn the name of Philander Chase was under con- 
sideration; when, or by whom, he was first mentioned 
does not appear, but a letter written by Peter Mesier to 
Stephen Hoyt, secretary of the vestry of Christ Church, 
in favor of a proposal that had been made to call Mr. 
Chase, is of interest in its disclosure of the reputation 
the latter had already achieved in the Church, although 
he had been in Deacon's Orders but a little over a year. 
Mr. Chase had been doing the work of an itinerant minis- 
ter in the towns of central and western New York, and 
had thrown himself into his duties with all the vigor of 
his youth and the natural fervor of his temperament. 
He was New Hampshire born, a graduate of Dartmouth, 
and was not yet twenty-four years old. 

Fishkill October 19, 1799. 

Sir 

The committee appointed by the Vestry of this place for 
the purpose of procuring a Rector have, in consequence of your 
letter, had a meeting. 

We are highly pleased to discover that there exists in your 
Vestry a determination to give so respectable a salary, and will 
most wilhngly contribute our proportion as stipulated in your 
letter, provided the Character fixed on pleases our Congrega- 
tion. 

Without makmg any comments upon either Mr. Van Horn 
or Mr. Chase, or contrasting their reputations as preachers in 

106 



THE PARSONAGE 

Purchased 1799 Sold 1852 

Occupied by the Rev. Philander Chase, the Rev. Barzillai Bulkley 

and the Rev. Dr. John Reed 



The Records ofCkrist Church 

the least, we are decidedly of opinion that the latter Gentle- 
man obtains greatly the preference here, and will most cor- 
dially concur with you in procuring him as Rector. 

We presume that the establishment of Mr. Chase in this 
Congregation will be of a very considerable advantage to the 
Church, especially as the members calculate upon a Consider- 
able accession, provided the preacher is a man of his merits. 

The difficulty which prevents his accepting at present, de- 
cidedly, a Call here, you are acquainted with; and we enter- 
tain from his representation of the circumstances that a little 
negotiation will remove every obstacle. 

No inconvenience can possibly arise from making the at- 
tempt, except a trifling delay, and the obtaining ultimately so 
valuable a Rector, and one so universally esteemed is, in our 
estimation, an object worth the experiment. 

The particular conduct to be adopted, and the manner in 
which the wished for event may be brought to pass, we will 
most willingly communicate, provided you will relinquish Mr. 
Van Horn, and concur with us in measures calculated to pro- 
mote the interest and welfare of both Congregations. 

I am with Respect 

Sir your most Obed't 
Peter Mesier. 

The difficulty to which this letter refers lay in an 
engagement that Mr. Chase had entered into with St. 
Peter's Church at Stamford in Delaware County, New 
York; he was anxious to come to Poughkeepsie, and 
ready to do so if this previous arrangement could be 
given up, and, in a letter addressed to Stephen Hoyt, he 
replied to the call extended to him by the Poughkeepsie 
and Fishkill Churches in a characteristically enthusiastic 
manner : 

Dear Sir 

I received yours of the 28th of October, yesterday. I de- 
clare to you that I feel myself highly honored by the proposals 
made to me by the Vestry in Poughkeepsie; but as to a speedy 
answer, you Sir, and all, know that it must depend on the suc- 
cess of the favorite Project. If this could be brought about to 

107 



The Records ofCkrist Church 

the satisfaction of all parties, my consent to reside in Pough- 
keepsie, and be the Rector of the Church there, would be most 
cordially given. 

I feel myself immensely attached to the good people in 
Fishkill, and if possible still more to those who live in the hap- 
py Village of Poughkeepsie. May God bless them all ! ! I 
wait the event, 

I have seen Mr. T — y, your worthy friend. Mr. P — r, all 
last evening, was with me here at Mr. Mesier's, & you may, 
without the assistance of magic power, give a guess how the 
time was spent. 

The latter part of your Epistle contains my — I had almost 
said Death warrant — 'That I shall forfeit the esteem of the 
people at P — . if I do not preach there next Sunday.' 

I plead in behalf of my own life — that a previous appoint- 
ment with the Bishop renders it impossible. Next Thursday 
I am to be in York, ready for an examination, and, if found 
worthy, H — Orders will on the Sunday following be conferred 
on me. 

For your family's kind respects to me please to return my 
hearty thanks, and make my love to them all. Their affec- 
tionate treatment to me, are they not written in my heart? 
I wish we had been acquainted more with each other — I have 
every (reason) to suppose that I should (have) been highly 
hon'd & gratified. 

The answer to the Call — it will be given as soon as possible. 
Mr. P^r and you possess all the information that is necessary 
on the subject. Act your pleasure — God speed the happy 
time is the Prayer of one who loves you all. — 

Philander Chase. 
Nov'r 4th 1799 
Capt. Hoyt. 

**Mr. P.", of whom Mr. Chase speaks, was Joseph 
Parker of Poughkeepsie, who was sent to Stamford as the 
business agent of the vestry of Christ Church to obtain 
a release for Mr. Chase from his obligation to St. Peter's. 
Parker gained the consent of the vestry of St. Peter's 
to Mr. Chase's acceptance of the call to Poughkeepsie 
and Fishkill, on condition that they be paid one hundred 

108 



The Records ojChrist Church 

dollars, in four quarterly installments of twenty-five 
dollars each, the last payment to be due in March, 1801. 
The papers in this transaction are all on file, and show 
that Christ Church agreed to the condition and paid the 
bonus as required. 

Mr. Chase, having been advanced to the Priesthood 
by Bishop Provoost in New York on November 10th, 
formally accepted his call on November 22d: 

Sir 

In answer to your letter of the 28tli of October, written to me 
in behalf of the Vestries of Christs Church at Poughkeepsie 
and Trinity Church at Fishkill, I can now inform you that I 
accept of the Call to the Rectory of the two Churches with my 
hearty thanks for their kind attention to me. 

I am now ready to wait on them, when and where they shall 
appoint, to interchange such articles of agreement as shall be 
thought proper; — and then to take Charge of the Church in 
due form. 

I am, with esteem, & friend- 
ship, yours and the Vestries 
Poughkeepsie most obedient and 

Novem'r 22nd very humble 

AD. 1799 servant 

To Stephen Hoyt, Philander Chase. 
Agent for the Churches at 
Poughkeepsie & Fishkill. 

Articles of agreement were signed on November 27th, 
1799, whereby Mr. Chase was given the use of the par- 
sonage, and was to receive $300.00 a year from Christ 
Church and $200.00 from Trinity; in return he was to 
officiate two-thirds of the time at Poughkeepsie and one- 
third at Fishkill. 

The connection of Philander Chase with this parish was 
meteoric. His stay was brief, his ministration distinc- 
tive, it left few permanent traces ; but it stands out in the 
life-story of Christ Church with brilliancy and clearness. 

109 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Chase was a vivid personaL'ty, and on fire with enthusi- 
asm for his calling; so much so that, in contact with his 
ardent spirit, old measures, old conditions, were clothed 
in new and vital light; so much so, too, that, truth to 
tell, he overshadowed all other personalities, and domi- 
nated and absorbed the wills of those about him. It may 
be attributable to this cause that so strong a man left no 
more lasting an impression upon the character of Christ 
Church. His intensity swept all before it, and attained 
whatever object he, himself, aimed for; but there was 
no room left for the cooperation of the laity. An instance 
of this is found in an entry in the treasurer's ledger, in 
the statement of the personal account of Richard Davis, 
that "Mr. Davis, having, in the year 1801, disagreed 
with Mr. Chase, and not having afterwards attended 
divine service," &c, &c. Here were two positive natures, 
the man of sixty-seven, and the youth of twenty-six; 
the former, for a period equalling the latter's whole 
life time, had given of self, of time, of money, to the 
parish, and the latter, a mere stripling as he must have 
seemed to Davis, was newly come into the Church. 
And yet the stripHng remained in possession of the field! 
The incident is both humorous and pathetic, and, in its 
practical result, may be taken as an indication of the 
passing of the lay influence, which, for a generation, had 
controlled parochial affairs. 

The presence of Mr. Chase made itself felt in ways the 
people were unfamiliar with. Arriving, as he did, at a 
moment when the debt on the church building was paid, 
a new parsonage acquired, and all causes of difference 
with Trinity Church, Fishkill, removed, it was possible 
for him to institute some of the charitable work in which 
his warm heart delighted. He made a great point of the 

110 



THE REV. PHILANDER CHASE 

Rector of Christ Church, 1799-1805 
From a miniature painted on ivory about 1798 



The Re cor ds of C hr i s t Church 

disposition of the Communion alms, and rendered full 
account of his use of them; typical of his work and of 
his fervid style of expression is this entry: "for Mr. 
Bulmer, being a man far gone in a deep decline, having 
a large family of small children." Some of the alms were 
given at private Communions, of which there is no men- 
tion in the parish before this time. In 1803 a disastrous 
fire occurred in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and he 
immediately opened a subscription for the relief of the 
sufferers, succeeding in collecting a respectable sum for 
them. 

His missionary zeal overflowed the boundaries of his 
fixed charge, and, in 1801, he gave public notice^ in the 
town of Washington, Dutchess County, that, on May 
12th, a meeting would be held near Lithgow to consider 
the organization of a parish there. The meeting took 
place, Mr. Chase acting as clerk, and a vestry was 
elected, two of its members being Ebenezer Mott and 
William Terry, men who had been affiliated with Christ 
Church for many years. It is reasonable to suppose 
that this little group of Episcopalians in the town of 
Washington might be traced in their origin to the 
influence of that Nine Partners congregation in the same 
vicinity, which was part of Mr. Seabury's and Mr. 
Beardsley's pastoral charge. The parish at Lithgow, 
named St. Peter's, was incorporated May 15th, 1801,^ 
and is still in existence, though outgrown by its 
daughter, Grace Church, Millbrook. Mr. Chase asked 
the consent of the Poughkeepsie and Fishkill Churches 
for his absence from them four Sundays a year to hold 

1 Parish records of St. Peter's Church, Lithgow, N. Y. 

2 Dutchess County Clerk's records. Book of Incorporation of 
Churches, p. 36. 

Ill 



The Records of C hr i st Church 

service at Lithgow, and also for time in which to 
minister in the town of Franklin,^ where a parochial 
organization had been effected in 1796.^ 

December 20th, 1800, the Vestry Minutes record 
that "the Rev. Mr. Chase laid before the Vestry 
a letter from a Committee of the Vestry of St. Mark's 
Church in New York, giving him a Call to the Rector- 
ship of the Church with a salary of $1,000.00 per year. 
On which the Vestry, on mature deliberation, are of 
opinion that the proposed salary of $1,000.00 would not 
materially advance the pecuniary advantage of Mr. 
Chase, and that his removal from the Parish of Pough- 
keepsie at this time would essentially injure the progress 
and growth of our Church, as no one of the Congrega- 
tion but holds Mr. Chase in the highest estimation, and 
that considers that his removal would be destructive of 
the Interest of the Episcopal Church in this place and, in 
effect, destroy its present flourishing state. Therefore, 
Resolved, that the Vestry, upon the foregoing reasons 
cannot think of discharging the Rev. Mr. Chase from 
his engagements with this Congregation, on the terms 
offered in the Resolution of the Vestry of St. Mark's 
Church in New York, dated 12th December, 1800. 
And that the Secretary do furnish the Rev. Mr. Chase 
with a copy of the above proceedings to be transmitted 
to the Vestry of St. Mark's." Apparently Mr. Chase 
concurred in the opinion of the vestry, for no more is 
heard of the call to St. Mark's. 

On November 16th, 1801, it was decided "to open 
Church and commence Divine Service from October 1st 

1 Now the town of Patterson, in Putnam County. 

2 Christ Church, Patterson. Dutchess County Clerk's records, 
Boole of Incorporation of Churches, p. 30. 

112 



The Records of Christ Church 



to April 1st at 11 o'clock in the morning, and at quarter 
past two in the afternoon. And from April 1st to Octo- 
ber 1st at half past ten in the morning and at 3 o'clock 
in the afternoon." The early hour for the afternoon 
service presumably accommodated those of the congrega- 
tion who drove to Church in the morning from some 
distance, and wished to return in good season after an all 
day's absence from home. Mr. Chase's policy included 
a careful oversight of his flock and its needs, indeed one 
of the most lasting features of his rectorate was his 
thorough investigation of the number and condition of 
the families in the parish when he entered it. In the 
Bibliography forming part of the Appendix to this vol- 
ume may be found his own account of his discovery of 
how imperfect was the parish register, and of his labor 
to bring the same up to date. In September, 1801, he 
began the compilation of a record of the statistics of the 
families then in Christ Church, which, perhaps, is in- 
complete, but is still of much importance: 

Heads of Families 



Ebenezer Badger 
Ebenezer Baldwin 
Andrew Billings 
Jabez Bosworth 
William Broome 
Matthew Caldwell 
John Cooke 
WiUiam Davies 
John Davis 
Leonard Davis 
Richard Davis 
William Emott 
Mrs. Andrew Heermance 
Mrs. Anthony Hoffman 
Stephen Hoyt 



Samuel Johnson 
John Johnston 
Mrs. Helen McKean 
Peter B. Morgan 
Robert Noxon 
James Pritchard 
John Reade 
Henry Relay 
Lewis Relay 
John Sayers 
Granville Smith 
Peter Van Bommell 
John Peter Vemont 
Robert Williams 



113 



The Records oj Christ Church 

Single Persons 

Miss Polly Cooke Miss Elizabeth Lamson 

Mrs. Sarah Hay Mr. Archibald Stewart 

Maria Hay Mr. Alexander Stewart 

Only eight of these names are on the list reported in 
1791 by the vestry to Bishop Provoost, and the appear- 
ance of other family names on the parish register, and 
among the pewholders, leads to the conclusion that 
there were oversights both in 1791 and 1801. 

Some valuable accessions to the membership of the 
parish were made, however, just about the period of the 
incumbency of Mr. Chase, One, directly traceable to 
his influence, was that of Thomas J. Oakley, baptized as 
an adult, by Mr. Chase, and long a pewholder and ves- 
tryman in Christ Church. Mr. Oakley's public career 
included service as Surrogate of Dutchess, member of 
Assembly, member of Congress, Attorney-General of 
New York, and Judge of the Superior Court, New York 
City. His double brick house on Market street, en- 
larged and added to, has become the present News-Press 
Building. 

David Brooks, who had been one of the original 
vestry appointed by the charter of 1773, and who had 
soon after left Poughkeepsie to perform active duty as a 
staff officer in the Revolutionary Army, in close associa- 
tion with General Washington, had now returned to 
Poughkeepsie, and resumed his parochial ties in the 
successive capacities of pewholder, vestryman and 
warden, also making a good name for himself in the 
Assembly and in Congress and as County Judge. 

William Davies, son of the Rev. Thomas Davies 
(then late Rector of St. Michael's, Litchfield, Connecti- 
cut), settled in Poughkeepsie shortly before 1800. It 

114 



The Records ojChrist Church 

is quite possible he was the "William Davis" who rented 
the glebe-house for sixteen months in 1793-1795, as 
John Davis of Poughkeepsie had no children, and his 
brother, Richard, no son named William; but this is 
surmise, only. WilHam Davies was a devout Church- 
man by inheritance, and all the years of his long life in 
Poughkeepsie — he lived to be ninety-four years old — 
was a faithful member of Christ Church. His first 
election to the vestry was in 1799, and from 1826 to 1842 
he was a warden of the parish. Mr. Davies dealt 
extensively in Poughkeepsie real estate and acquired a 
large property, always being a generous contributor to the 
Church. The writer has been told, by one who was a 
boy^ here in 1820, that Mr. Davies then occupied a pew 
in the church to the south of the chancel and at right 
angles to the rest of the congregation, and that he wore 
a six-inch queue. 

The Convention of the Diocese of New York elected 
John Reade of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, as one of 
the lay delegates from the diocese to the General Con- 
ventions of the Church held in 1801 and 1808. He took 
his seat in 1801, but failed to do so in 1808, probably 
because of his last illness, his death occurring in October 
of that year. Mr. Reade came to Poughkeepsie, in 1794 
or 1795, from Red Hook, where he had had large property 
interests in a storehouse and landing on the river, and 
in land. His wife, Catherine Livingston, was a daughter 
and heir of Robert G. Livingston of Red Hook, who had 
owned much Dutchess County real estate, and Mr. and 
Mrs. Reade's position in Poughkeepsie was that of 
people of wealth and breeding. They at once took a 
pew in Christ Church, and Mr. Reade was made a 
1 Henry Ruggles Esq., late of New York City, deceased. 

115 



The Records ojChrist Church 

vestryman, and then a warden, and was sent as delegate 
to the Diocesan Convention. Mrs. Reade's niece, 
Cornelia Livingston, and her husband, John Crooke 
(son of the Charles Crooke who helped build the first 
church), also established their home in Poughkeepsie, 
during the period this chapter considers, and made part 
of the congregation of Christ Church. 

Randall S. Street, one of the lawyers of Poughkeepsie, 
who was District Attorney several years, and a member 
of Congress, came into the parish at this time, and the 
years in the vestry of Stephen Hoyt, Ebenezer Baldwin, 
Jabez Bosworth and John L. Fonda, all substantial 
citizens, were also begun now. 

The most conspicuous single event during the rector- 
ate of Philander Chase was the assembling of the Dio- 
cesan Convention of 1805 in Christ Church. Yellow 
fever had raged so violently in New York City in 1798, 
1799 and 1800, that no Conventions were held in those 
years, and, in the summer of 1805, it was again epidemic, 
which is undoubtedly the reason that the Convention did 
not meet in New York. But, while the Journal of the 
Convention states that "the town of Poughkeepsie (was) 
appointed by the Bishop as the place of meeting," a 
knowledge of the personalities of the Bishop and of the 
Rector of Christ Church still further explains the 
Bishop's act. The first Bishop of New York (Samuel 
Provoost) was succeeded in 1801 by Benjamin Moore, 
Rector of Trinity Parish, a man of much beauty of 
character, gentleness and refinement, who was greatly 
loved, but who was not an administrator of affairs. In 
charge of Christ Church was Philander Chase, young, 
tireless in energy, ever alive to an opportunity, who is 
said to have felt much regret, when he entered upon his 

116 



The Records oj Christ Church 

first Rectorship, that the privilege of meeting his brother 
clergy in Convention was lost to him by the omission of 
the sessions of 1799 and 1800. Here, now, was his chance, 
and there can be little doubt that his eagerness pressed 
upon Bishop Moore the advantages of Poughkeepsie 
as a place for the Convention to meet, urging its central 
location and accessibility by its own lines of sloops, its 
excellent inns, hospitable homes and social attractive- 
ness, and the wisdom of assembling there rather than 
for the Convention not to be held. On October 1st 
and 2d, therefore, the representatives of the diocese 
sat in Christ Church, delegates being present from as far 
north as Ballston, and west as Utica, and from New York 
City, Hempstead, Yonkers, Albany, &c., &c. 

Confirmation may have been administered in this 
visit of Bishop Moore's to Poughkeepsie, for, in the sum- 
mer of 1805, Mr. Chase had spent part of the Commu- 
nion alms for "clothes for Children to attend Church 
particularly Confirmation," and it is hardly probable 
that the Bishop made two journeys up the river within 
so short a time. The Journal of the Convention contains 
Mr. Chase's report as Rector of Christ Church, Pough- 
keepsie, and of Trinity Church, Fishkill, the particulars 
of which were : 

Baptisms Communicants 

Christ Church . . 48 (14 infant, 34 adult) 53 
Trinity Church . 27 ( 9 infant, 18 adult) about 30. 

Philander Chase's Autobiography, which was written 
after he had passed the severer toils of his strenuous life 
as Missionary Bishop in Ohio and Illinois, contains a few 
references to his stay in Poughkeepsie. Opposite the 
parsonage, on the southwest corner of Cannon and 

117 



The Records ojChrist Church 

Academy streets, stood the Dutchess County Academy,^ 
from which Academy street takes its name. This famous 
school was started at Fishkill, and then moved to Pough- 
keepsie, and in 1792 was incorporated by the Regents of 
the State of New York. In his Autobiography Bishop 
Chase wrote: "The salary afforded by the parish in 
Poughkeepsie being inadequate to the writer's comforta- 
ble support, he had recourse to the common expedient 
of school keeping. At first this was in a private way; 
but, being earnestly solicited, he at length took charge of 
the public academy in that place. His pupils were 
numerous, and from the most respectable families in 
New York and other places;" "about half were well 
advanced youths, and the other half were small boys of 
seven or nine years of age." "The duties of so large a 
school were of themselves most arduous, and, blended as 
they were, with those of two parishes, Fishkill and Pough- 
keepsie, they became insupportable. Nothing but the 
strongest constitution and the hope of better times, under 
the sustaining hand of a merciful Providence, kept the 
writer from sinking. To add to the load that bore heavy 
upon him, it pleased God to threaten his beloved wife 
with consumptive symptoms, so that if she recovered it 
must be under the influence of a warmer climate. Ac- 
cordingly, in the year 1805, the Bishop of New York 

1 The buUding (erected between 1790 and 1792) is still in exist- 
ence, removed from its first site to the northeast comer of North 
Clinton and Thompson streets. An amusing traditional anecdote has 
been handed down in Christ Church which relates that, after Mr. 
Chase took charge of the Academy and the school had increased to 
large numbers, he, personally, erected an addition to the building; 
but, with characteristic shrewdness, he retained title to this addition 
by not attaching it at any point to the original structure, and, when he 
resigned as Principal, he placed his property on wheels and trundled 
it off. 

118 



THE RT. REV. PHILANDER CHASE, D.D. 

Presiding Bishop of the American Church 
1843-1852 




^ 



The Records ofChrist Church 

having been apprised of his wishes, and, having received 
from New Orleans the invitation of the Protestants in 
that place to send them a clergyman of the Episcopal 
Church (the Bishop) appointed the writer to go thither and 
see what could be eflfected in the permanent organization 
of the Church in that city. So undefined, however, were 
the means of support offered, and so expensive was said 
to be the place for the maintenance of a family, that it 
seemed hazardous to move even his wife with him at 
once thither. He saw no way but to go first himself, and 
see what could be done, and return for his family as soon 
as possible." 

The reasons for Mr. Chase's resignation of the Rector- 
ship of Christ and Trinity Churches were amply sufficient 
to induce his action, but his Autobiography gives no hint 
of the manner of his departure, nor of the excitement 
caused by it. He had consulted the Bishop, probably 
when the latter was in Poughkeepsie attending the 
Convention, the first week in October, but had failed to 
acquaint the vestry with what was in his mind, unless, 
possibly, he had spoken to Mr. John Reade, individually. 
Then, not having given notice to the vestry of his in- 
tentions, he went to New York, took counsel again with 
the Bishop, and, without returning to Poughkeepsie, 
sailed for New Orleans on October 20th. 

On October 23d a meeting of the vestry was held, at 
which "Mr. John Davis read a paragraph from a Letter 
wrote by Mr. Chase to Mr. John Reade, dated in New 
York 19th Oct. Instant, as follows, viz: 

When I left you last there was a degree of uncertainty at- 
tending my contemplated Jaunt to New Orleans, of course 
could make no definite Communication to the Vestry of the 
Church. By the advice of my fellow Presbyters, and direc- 

119 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

tion of the Bishop, it is now determined that I shall go. My 
passage is taken, and tomorrow morning, if God permits, I 
shall sail. You do me a favour by Signifying to the Members 
of the Vestry, as from me, that I shall be absent from my Parish 
two or three months, and perhaps longer. I have written the 
above at the particular direction of the Bishop, to prevent any 
misimderstandmg. This being the case, you will, I hope par- 
don the Uberty I have takea 

"Resolved, unanimously, that the above communica- 
tion from the Rev'd Mr. Chase is very extraordinary, and 
the inference is that he has abandoned this Church. And, 
as he has not exhibited any complaint to this Vestry, we 
are to presume he has none, but has merely gone from 
other considerations. 

"Resolved, that Mr. John Davis be a Committee to 
write to the Bishop, Stating the Situation of this Church, 
and requesting his paternal advice." 

At this distance of time, the situation thus created 
provokes a smile that is made possible by perspective 
and the absence of irritation. How easy it is to picture 
on the one hand the heedless, impetuous Chase, and his 
unpremeditated, unprepared-for departure, and, on the 
other, the gray-headed vestrymen, indignant at the lack 
of consideration shown them! To doubt Mr. Chase's 
good intention is impossible; to justify his method diffi- 
cult. For, in leaving in October, he did not resign his 
Rectorship, and neither did he make provision for his 
parochial charge during his absence. He simply dashed 
off to New Orleans to investigate conditions there, and 
left matters at home to take care of themselves. He 
reached New Orleans on November 13th, and a month 
later, having decided that a parish could be organized in 
that city, and a home provided for his family, he wrote 

120 



The Records oj Christ Church 

to Poughkeepsie a letter which was read at a vestry 
meeting on March 3d, 1806: 

To the Vestry of Christ Church Poughkeepsie 
Gentlemen, 

I take the Uberty to signify that I have resigned into the 
hands of the Right Reverend the Bishop of the State of New 
York, the Rectorship of the Church to which you are a Vestry; 
with sincere wishes for your prosperity, 
I am 

Gentlemen 

Your Friend & Humble Servant 

Philander Chase. 
City of New Orleans 
December 1805. 

The vestry passed a resolution declaring "the above 
Communication as not in form, but that the Parish has 
been Vacant since the 5th of Nov'r last." The 5th of 
November was the date upon which the articles of 
agreement with Mr. Chase were signed in 1799, and 
from which his rectorate was reckoned annually, and 
hence he was just at the close of his sixth year when he 
took his leave so unceremoniously in October, 1805. 
He came North for his family in 1806, after six months' 
successful work in New Orleans, and, on July 29th, the 
articles of agreement between himself and Christ Church, 
Poughkeepsie, were disannulled. 

To obtain a successor to Mr. Chase, the vestry re- 
solved on May 28th, 1806, "that the Secretary write 
Bishop Moore and Bishop Jarvis informing them of the 
vacancy in this Church, and the wish of Vestry to fill it 
as soon as a suitable Candidate may be found, — And 
should either of them know of one whose talents they 
may judge calculated to render his services useful in this 
place, the earliest information would be esteemed a 
favour by the Vestry." 

121 



The Records oj Christ Church 

Whether Bishop Jarvis of Connecticut responded to 
this request the Vestry Minutes do not disclose, but, 
at all events, Barzillai Bulkley, a young man whom 
he had ordained Deacon the year before, came from 
Connecticut to visit the vacant congregation, and was in- 
vited to remain as its Rector. Trinity Church, Fish- 
kill, joined cordially in the call to Mr. Bulkley, a letter 
from Matthew Mesier, warden, saying that they were 
very happy to do so, "and hope the good understanding 
our Churches have had together may always continue." 
It was agreed that Mr. Bulkley's rectorate should date 
from August 17th, 1806, and that he should give two- 
thirds of his time to Christ Church and one-third to 
Trinity, and have the use of the parsonage at Pough- 
keepsie. 

Few events marked his three years' residence in the 
parish, but he left behind him a carefully kept register, 
which records that he performed in that time forty-nine 
baptisms and twelve marriages, and officiated at sixteen 
funerals. One of the infant baptisms by him was that of 
William Davies' son, William Augustus, who, as a man, 
was such a devoted friend to the Church. A marriage 
he mentioned in 1809 was that of Clarissa Badger, 
daughter of the then warden, Ebenezer Badger, to Para- 
clete Potter, of whom more is heard, later, in the story 
of the parish. Among the funerals Mr. Bulkley conduct- 
ed were those of Major Andrew Billings and Mrs. Gilbert 
Livingston and John Reade, who all died in 1808. 

He also did some extra-parochial pastoral work; at the 
Diocesan Convention held in October, 1807, he reported 
that "the latter part of last spring I visited the parish in 
Washington,^ attended Divine service, and baptized 

1 St. Peter's, Lithgow. 

122 



The Records oj Christ Church 

four children," to which the Convention responded by 
directing him to officiate "at Washington one Sunday in 
November and one in May, and at such other times as 
may be deemed convenient." In 1808 the Convention 
again commissioned him to visit Washington, and New- 
burgh beside. 

At the beginning of this chapter reference was made to 
Mr. Beardsley's long contention for the possession of 
part of the glebe. In 1805 this matter reached a con- 
clusion, but, rightly to understand the question involved, 
it is necessary to turn back to the time of the original 
purchase of the farm, when Mr. Beardsley offered to buy 
one-third of it himself. He received a deed then from 
the Ostroms, the former owners, conveying to him the 
portion known as the twenty-three acre lot, and he 
enjoyed the use of the same throughout his residence in 
Poughkeepsie. But, at the time that he made applica- 
tion to the Governor and Council for a charter of in- 
corporation, and for a confirmation of title to the glebe- 
land, he testified that all the land was held for the Church 
by deeds of trust, and the charter therefore vested the 
title to the whole farm in the Corporation. 

Mr. Beardsley's removal from Poughkeepsie, as a 
Tory, having been effected by the Council of Safety, an 
attempt was made to have the twenty-three acre lot 
confiscated, as land which he, a disaffected person, had 
held; but, on the evidence that the charter had conferred 
the title upon the Church, the Commissioners of For- 
feiture dropped the case, and the property remained in 
the possession of the Corporation. 

No sooner, however, was peace declared, than the 
vestry began to suffer harassments from the manner in 
which the lot had been bargained for. Mr. Beardsley 

123 



The Records ojChrist Church 

had agreed to be responsible for £200 of the £600 cost 
of the glebe, but, instead of making a cash payment, it 
now transpired that he and Captain Peter Harris had 
entered into a joint bond for £300 to Mrs. Ostrom, each 
promising that they, or their representatives, would pay 
£4 apiece per annum to her during her life. Captain 
Harris disappeared from connection with this and all 
other local affairs early in the war, and Mrs. Ostrom, 
who was a poor woman, lost the interest due from him. 
Mr. Beardsley kept up his own payments until his re- 
moval to New York, when he ceased to send remittances. 
The Ostrom family made several requests to the vestry 
to assume the obligation, and, in 1797, upon the advice 
of Jacob Radcliffe, attorney, this was done, the Corpora- 
tion paying in full to the heirs of Mrs. Ostrom (she 
having died) the amount due upon the bond from Cap- 
tain Harris and from Mr. Beardsley, from the time their 
payments lapsed to Mrs. Ostrom's death. It was con- 
sidered that this action extinguished any shadow of a 
claim on Mr. Beardsley's part. 

Meanwhile, he continued to urge his title, and also 
to present charges against the Corporation for salary 
unpaid in the last year of his stay in Poughkeepsie, for 
two barns he had built, and for sundry other disburse- 
ments on his part while here. In 1797 he sent his son, 
Bartholomew Crannell Beardsley, to Poughkeepsie, and 
in 1803 an attorney, Samuel Nicholls, neither of whom 
reached any agreement with the vestry. Finally, in 
April, 1805, he came himself, now a man of seventy-three, 
but still filled with spirit and energy. 

From April to July a deadlock existed in the negotia- 
tions between him and the vestry, broken at last by an 
offer from Mr. Beardsley to relinquish all his claims if the 

124 



The Records oj Christ Church 

Corporation would divide with him, equally, the twenty- 
three acre lot. On July 1st the vestry voted to accept 
this proposition, but declared, in doing so, "that they 
absolutely deny that he, the said John Beardsley, has any 
right. Title, or demand to the lands, ***** but that 
any Lands that may be Quit-claimed to the said John 
Beardsley is considered as a donation, and Testimony of 
our good will and affection towards him." 

Final papers were signed on July 24th, fifteen acres 
being deeded^ to Mr. Beardsley, and twelve retained by 
the Church, a survey that was made for the division 
having shown the lot to contain twenty-seven acres, and 
the division being made with respect to quality as well 
as quantity. 

Mr. Beardsley at once exchanged^ his fifteen acres 
with his son, Bartholomew Crannell Beardsley, for 
certain land at Maugerville, New Brunswick; Bartholo- 
mew Crannell Beardsley sold^ them in turn the next 
year for $1,500.00, and so ended the involved case of the 
twenty-three acre lot. 

In September, 1806, the Church sold, for $1,800 . 00 ,the 
twelve acres which had remained in its possession, 
subject to a mortgage for $1,250.00, which mortgage 
was paid off in 1821.^ The purchaser made a cash pay- 
ment of $550.00, and the vestry appropriated this 
ready money to improve the interior of the church 
by the erection of a gallery. John Davis, William Davies 
and Peter B. Morgan were appointed a committee to 
superintend the work of building, and their original 

1 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds. Liber 19, p, '155. 

2 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds, Liber 19, p. 275. 

3 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds. Liber 19, p. 458. 

4 Dutchess County Clerk's records, mortgages, Liber 11, p. 382. 

125 



The Records oj Christ Church 

contract with the carpenters gives the details of the 
design followed. The gallery extended on each side of 
the church and across the west end; stairs at each side 
of the church door led to the floor of the gallery, the 
stairs having a handrail, and being "enclosed under the 
handrail with panel work." The platforms of the stair- 
case were enclosed "so as to form apartments (with) a 
pannel door in each." The whole gallery was supported 
by ten columns, its front "pannelled, with pillasters 
over the columns, a cornish below and laping above the 
pannel work, or on the top thereof." 

Mr. Chase had previously had some minor improve- 
ments made in the church, principally in the chancel; nine 
yards of "Carpoting" were bought, and nine founds ( ! ) 
of hair "to Stuff ye Cushion;" the hangings were 
mended, the pulpit painted, and "Nobs and Rings" 
supplied for it. For the session of the Convention in 
1805 preparation was made by the purchase of eight and 
a half yards of " Green stuff for curtains round the back 
part of the Desk," and of "two Curtain Rods behind the 
pulpit;" also of several branch candlesticks and sconces. 
Oil was used, as well as candles, for lighting the church 
for the Convention, but it was not until the winter of 1808 
that a stove was put in, prior to which it is to be supposed 
that the congregation had shivered over private foot 
stoves and hot bricks in the long winters. 

The successful erection of the gallery in 1807 was fol- 
lowed by the suggestion in 1808 that an organ should be 
bought, hearing of which, John Meacham, Jr., of Hartford, 
Connecticut, organ builder, asked that an organ he had 
on hand might be given a trial; he offered, if the Church 
would send on a wagon to bring it over from Hartford, 
to come with it himself and set it up, and also said that 

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The Records ojChrist Church 127 

Colonel William Blodgett, organist, of Hartford, would 
accompany him to Poughkeepsie, demonstrate the qual- 
ity of the instrument, and give lessons upon it to Pough- 
keepsie musicians. Mr. Meacham's letter of August 
16th, 1808, enclosed Colonel Blodgett's recommendation 
of the organ: 

To whom it may concern 

At the request of Mr. John Meachum to examine an Organ 
which he has for disposal, and informed by him that applica- 
tion had been made for one by a Gentelman of Poughkeepsie, 
I did examine an Organ which he has, and deem it a good one 
of its size, containing three stops — Viz Stop Diapason — 
Principle and Twelfth, all in good order. These stops are the 
most used for Church Music, and are encased very handsomely 
with ornimental pipes in front, a good sett of Keys, and regis- 
ters, and the bellows and pedal are also good. 

Its height is about eight feet, and its breadth four feet and 
four inches, embellished on the top with four gilt urns and the 
case well imitated mahogany, with doors to communicate to 
any part which may at any time need a repair or for tuning. 
Its appearance will embellish any Church. 

I have repeatedly performed on this Organ, and was ever 
well pleased with it, as has been many others who are good 
judges, and masters of music. 

William Blodgett. 

The organ reached Poughkeepsie, and was accepted 
by the vestry in October, the 18th of which month a 
subscription was circulated to raise money to pay for it, 
$300.00 being the purchase price; $130.00 was thus 
procured, and the balance was paid six months later out 
of the treasury. Those who subscribed in 1808 were: 



Ebenezer Badger 


$ 5.00 


James Emott 


$ 10.00 


Joseph Bos worth 


5.00 


John L. Fonda 


5.00 


Jacob Bush 


5.00 


Stephen Hoyt 


4.00 


Sarah Cunningham 


5.00 


R. James 


5.00 


Wilham Davies 


20.00 


Mary Ludlow 


5.00 


John Davis 


10.00 


Peter B.Morgan 


4.00 



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The Records of Christ Church 



Peter R. Maisonj 


5.00 


Chester Parsons 


10.00 


Bartholomew Noxon 


1.00 


Paraclete Potter 


2.00 


Robert Noxon 


4.00 


Philo Ruggles 


5.00 


George Peters Oakley 


5.00 


Randall S. Street 


5.00 


Thomas J. Oakley 


5.00 


James L. Van Kleeek;,; 


5.00 



May 1st, 1809, Colonel Blodgett submitted a bill to 
the vestry for "playing the organ in Church," and "for 
tuition to Gunn and others," which action, insignificant 
in itself, reveals an interesting fact. "Gunn," whom 
Colonel Blodgett instructed, was Abel Gunn, a boy of 
nine, and by nature a musician, who was organist for 
Christ Church from his earliest youth until 1862. He 
was also a maker of violins, which were highly valued in 
their day. His father, Abel Gunn, Sr., a veteran of the 
Revolution, came to Poughkeepsie before 1796 from New 
Milford, Connecticut, where his family had been one of 
substantial influence many years, and, in the presence 
of this household in Poughkeepsie is found, perhaps, one 
explanation of the call to the Rev. Barzillai Bulkley to 
become Rector of Christ Church, Mrs. Bulkley having 
been Mary Gunn of New Milford. 

The Bulkleys left Poughkeepsie in August, 1809, and 
the vestry directed John Davis, warden, to "repair to 
the City of New York to confer with the Bishop, Clergy, 
& others, take their advice and aid in procuring for this 
parish a suitable character as pastor thereof." Mr. 
Davis acted promptly, and presented this memorial to 
Bishop Moore in the latter 's dual capacity as Rector of 
Trinity Corporation, and Bishop of New York: 

The Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestrymen of Trinity 
Church in the City of New York. 

The Memorial of John Davis, Senior Warden of Christ 
Church of Poughkeepsie, in behalf of the Vestry thereof, most 
Respectfully Sheweth, that their Church from Sundry Causes 

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The Records of C hr i s t Church 

hereinafter mentioned, is on the decline, and now destitute of 
a Rector. 

That she has, in the course of three or four years, been ex- 
tremely unfortunate in loosing some of her principal members 
by Death. She has lost five who were zealous in her cause, 
the major part of them members in full communion, and all 
of them Vestrymen at the time of their death. 

And she has also lost Several by Removals, all of whom 
contributed liberally to the Support and maintenance of the 
Church. Their families are broken up and gone, all but one, 
and their places not filled up by others. 

That from the Exertions lately made, and are still making, 
in the Dutch and Baptist Congregations, our contribution list 
is very materially lessened. 

From these reasons, they find themselves unable to raise 
funds that are Sufl5cient to Support a gentleman fitly qualified 
to fill the rectory of their Church, and therefore pray the aid 
of the Rector, Church wardens, and Vestrymen of Trinity 
Church in the City of New York. 

In behalf of the Vestry and Congregation of Christ Church 
of Poughkeepsie, 

John Davis. 
Poughkeepsie 
August ye 20, 1809. 

Mr. Davis's report to the vestry in this matter stated 
that **he had left with the Bishop a Memorial, signed by 
himself, in behalf of this Vestry, to the Corporation of 
Trinity Church, New York City, stating the situation of 
our Church, and praying their assistance, and that he 
conversed with the Bishop and several Clergymen, and 
also with several gentlemen of the Vestry of Trinity, 
who gave him encouragement, and promised to be 
friendly to this church." 

Early in 1810 a partial engagement was entered into 
with the Rev. Joseph Prentice of Athens, regarding the 
Rectorship; Mr. Prentice was to give one-third of his 
time to Christ Church from February to October, and, 

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The Records ojChrist Church 

in October, 1810, to remove permanently to Poughkeepsie 
from Athens. He began his service here under this 
agreement on February 18th, but, by reason of his ill 
health, the plan for ultimate settlement was soon after 
abandoned. 

At a vestry meeting held June 7th, "John Davis 
informed the Board that the Vestry of Trinity Church in 
the City of New York have granted a yearly donation 
of $250.00, for five years, towards the support of a 
clergyman in this Church," which is "to commence from 
the time when a clergyman shall be duly settled." 

The account of the important result to this parish, of 
the help extended thus by old Trinity, belongs properly 
to a succeeding chapter. 



Names of Pewholders 
1800-1809 

The pews were sold annually, at auction, except during vacan- 
cies in the Rectorship. The individuals, whose names are here given, 
did not all buy pews every year, but the hst includes all those who did 
purchase from 1800 to 1809: 

A. John Akin. 

B. Ebenezer Badger; Valentine Baker; Ebenezer Baldwin; 
Mrs. Ann Barber; William Bard; Andrew Billings; 
Amaziah Blakesley; Abraham Bockee; William W. 
Bogardus; Jabez Bosworth; Joseph Bowman; David 
Brooks; William Broome; E. Brown; EHsha Brown; 
Joseph Brown; William Brown; John Brush; Jacob Bush. 

C. Thomas Carpenter; Joseph Cornish; John Crooke; Gar- 
wood H. Cunningham. 

D. WiUiam Davies; Daniel Davis; John Davis; Leonard 
Davis; Richard Davis; Warren DeLancey; Charles H. 
Duncan, 

E. James Emott; WiUiam Emott. 

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The Records of Christ Church 

F. John L. Fonda. 

G. John B. Gay; Robert GUI; John GuIIon; Abel Gunn. 

H. Stephen Hendricksen; Mrs. Gertrude Hoffman; Stephen 
Hoyt. 

I. Duncan Ingraham; Mrs. Ingraham. 

J. Samuel Johnson; John Johnston. 

K. Gilbert Ketcham. 

L. John Le Roy; Jonathon Lewis; Richard Lewis; Henry G 
Livingston; John B. Livingston; Robert H. Livingston- 
William Lother. 

M. Peter R.Maison; LeviMcKean; Mathew Mesier- Peter 
Mesier; Stephen MitcheU; Thomas MitcheU; JohnMott. 

N. Bartholomew Noxon; Robert Noxon. 

O. George P. Oakley; Jesse Oakley; Silas M. Orcutt. 

P. Joseph Parker; Chester Parsons; William Pennington- 
David Phillips; James Pritchard. 

R. John Reade; EHza Rogers; Mathew Rothery; Philo 
Ruggles; Henry Rutzer. 

S. John Sayrs; Thomas Sketchley; The Misses Sketchley; 
Samuel Slee; Gerard S. Sloan; Abel Smith; Granville 
Smith; Archibald Stewart; RandaU Street. 

T. George Taylor; William Taylor; T. Thacher; Abiel 
Thompson. 

V. Garret B. Van Ness; John P. Vemont. 
W. Robert Williams; ( ? ) Wood. 



131 



PART II 



PART II, 1810-1910 
CHAPTER VI 

1810-1845 

THE RISE OF THE LOW CHURCH PARTY. BISHOP HOBART. HIS 
CHURCHMANSHIP. THE REV. JOHN REED. HIS LIFE-WORK 
IN CHRIST CHURCH. PERSONNEL OF HIS CONGREGATION. 
ORIGIN OF THE CONNECTION OF THE POTTER FAMILY WITH 
THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. THE FIRST CHURCH 
BUILDING AS IT WAS IN 1820. THE COMMUNION SILVER. 
THE FOUNDING OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. THE PURCHASE 
OF A BURIAL-GROUND. THE ERECTION OF THE SECOND 
CHURCH BUILDING IN 1834. THE SPREAD OF THE EPISCO- 
PAL CHURCH IN DUTCHESS COUNTY. DR. REED's OLD AGE 
AND THE CALL OF AN ASSISTANT MINISTER. DR. REEd's 
DEATH. NAMES OF PEWHOLDERS, 1810-1832. 

THE year 1810 marks a turning point in the history 
of Christ Church. It closes a period, reviewed 
in the preceding chapters, in which the parish 
had been buffeted and tossed about by the storms of 
war and of poHtical revolution, and held back by pov- 
erty, conflicting interests, and untoward circumstances 
generally. That it had continued to exist, testifies that 
love for it had struck deep into the hearts of a few, but 
there had been little growth and progress of a lasting sort. 
Now, a new era was begun. By the promise of Trinity 
Church, New York, to contribute two hundred and fifty 
dollars a year for five years, it became possible to settle 
a Rector with some hope that permanent conditions would 
be inaugurated, a hope destined to be amply fulfilled, for 

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The Records ojChrist Church 

the rectorate of John Reed, which took its date from 
August 19th, 1810, lasted for thirty-five years, and wit- 
nessed the re-birth and upbuilding of the congregation. 

On July 17th, 1810, James Emott, Thomas J. Oakley 
and John Davis were appointed a committee by the 
vestry to confer with Mr. Reed, he being then Rector 
of St. Luke's Church, Catskill; the committee offered 
him a salary of seven hundred dollars and the parsonage, 
and he accepted the call extended on those terms. This 
is the first call given by Christ Church in which Trinity 
Church, Fishkill, did not join, and the Vestry Minutes 
do not contain any explanation of why the parishes 
discontinued their alliance at this time. 

Mr. Reed was thirty-three years old when he became 
Rector of Christ Church, but had been in Priest's Orders 
only a little while, as he entered college later than was 
usual. Except for two years at Catskill, his whole life 
in the ministry was spent in this parish, and the founda- 
tion of the Church, as we now know it, was laid by his 
labors. This can be said without in any way detracting 
from the faithfulness of the men, clergy and laity, who 
preceded him. Their will to do was equally good, but 
they had great difficulties to contend with, in the face of 
which the most they could accomplish was to keep the 
parish from dying out. The task which fell to them was 
one of protection and prevention. 

With John Reed's coming, constructive work began; 
a fact which is but one instance of the awakening which 
took place in the Episcopal Church at large in this coun- 
try at that time. After its first heroic effort to organize 
itself at the close of the Revolution, the Church had 
undergone an utter stagnation of life and spirit; the 
leaders were men past their prime, and their strength 

136 



The Records ofChrist Church 

was spent by their struggle for existence. It was in- 
evitable that lethargy should clog action, until the next 
generation should rise and occupy the stage. 

In England, also, in the eighteenth century, a cloud 
had overshadowed all religious life, a cloud gathered 
from causes of another sort, it is true, but, in its effects, 
the same as that enshrouding the American Church. To 
dispel this deadness of spirit, a wave of new life swept 
through the Church of England, one result of which was 
the Methodist movement. Another result was the 
spread to America of the germ of the teaching of this 
battle for spiritual regeneration, and, here, this teaching 
took form, in the Episcopal Church, in the first quarter of 
the nineteenth century, in the tenets of what became 
known as the school of Low Churchmen. The Low 
Churchman was impressed with the moral depravity of 
men, and he preached the salvation of the individual; 
he belonged to the Episcopal Church and he believed in 
its organization; but his doctrines in regard to salvation 
were those of a literal hell, from which men were to be 
saved, and his attitude toward the organization of the 
Church was that, while it was the best he knew and he 
held to it, his adherence was purely voluntary. A true 
Low Churchman was therefore an ardent missionary 
(for no time could be lost in the work of redeeming souls 
from everlasting damnation), and he fraternized some- 
what closely with the several Christian Communions 
among which he lived. Roughly stated, the Low Church 
element among Episcopalians in the United States was 
in its strength 1800-1835, held its own 1835-1850, and 
thereafter declined as a distinct school. During the 
time of its influence, it founded and maintained the 
foreign missionary work of the Church. 

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The Records oj Christ Church 

But, although the Low Church party was spreading 
widely when John Reed came to Christ Church, this 
parish did not become allied with it. In 1811, the year 
after he assumed the Rectorship, John Henry Hobart 
was consecrated Bishop, as assistant to Benjamin 
Moore of New York, and, in 1816, at Bishop Moore's 
death, Hobart succeeded him at the head of the diocese. 

John Henry Hobart was a dynamic force in the Church 
in New York State. He was a man of much power and 
ability, which were made potent by his energy and en- 
thusiasm. In personality he is described as having been 
exceptionally lovable, and in presence one who dififused 
an atmosphere of joy and brightness. 

He will be rated historically, however, not so much as 
a worker, and a man who commanded affection, but as a 
man with a message, and a message differing in large part 
from the teaching of the prevalent Low Church party. 
He preached the same doctrine of the redemption of the 
individual, but, with equal insistence, he presented the 
conception of the divine origin of the Church. Men 
must be saved; yes, but they must be saved within the 
sacred institution which Christ, Himself, had founded. 
"My Banner," Hobart said, "is Evangelical Truth and 
Apostolic Order." Hence, one of the greatest aspects 
of his service to the Church was his bringing it to a 
realizing sense of its own history and claims, and posi- 
tion in the ecclesiastical world, none of which were taken 
account of by the Low Churchman. He infused into it 
a consciousness of its own entity and organized existence. 

When he was made Bishop the Church in New York 
was not yet aroused from its stupor, but, at once, when 
he poured into its veins his own abundant life blood, it 
became filled with a fresh vitality, which manifested 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

itself in many forms of activity. For, in their practical 
application, his principles re-created the Church in his 
diocese. His compelling influence revived old parishes, 
founded new ones, sponsored mission work among the 
Oneida Indians, and established such institutions as 
the New York Bible and Prayer Book Society, the 
Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, the Churchman's 
Magazine, and the Protestant Episcopal Theological 
Society, which last evolved itself soon into the General 
Theological Seminary. 

Bishop Hobart was a prolific writer as well as organi- 
zer, and the titles of some of his publications show the 
trend of his thought, such as Companion for the Altar, 
Festivals and Fasts, Companion to the Book of Common 
Prayer, Apology for Apostolic Order, Redemption, &c. 
His fearless advocacy of what he believed to be true 
brought upon him criticism from some Episcopalians, 
to whom his evangelical characteristics were unpleasantly 
suggestive of Methodism, and from Presbyterians, who 
were irritated by his disregard for their ordination and 
ministry. His most strenuous intellectual opponents 
were, nevertheless, warmly attached to the man, himself, 
and his real greatness enabled Bishop Hobart to rise 
above all criticism and to lead the Diocese of New York 
to large accomplishment. 

Between Bishop Hobart and the Rector of Christ 
Church was the bond of personal friendship. They were 
very nearly the same age, they corresponded frequently 
and freely, and were in entire sympathy in their theologi- 
cal and ecclesiastical views, so that this account of the 
Bishop's teaching serves also for that of Dr. Reed, and 
it becomes evident that (strange as it may seem today) 
Christ Church, under the latter's leadership, was one of 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

the first parishes in the diocese identified with High 
Churchmanship . 

In 1810, when John Reed came to Poughkeepsie, he 
found himself in charge of an insignificant cure, for, in 
1811, he reported to the Diocesan Convention but 
seventy communicants in his care. The last report 
made by him to the Convention before his death was in 
1844, when he claimed two hundred and fifty communi- 
cants, which increase must be considered in the light of 
quality as well as of numbers, as, from that viewpoint, 
the substantial character of Dr. Reed's life-work will be 
better appreciated than from that of figures. 

His rectorate occurred between the dates of the in- 
corporation of the Village of Poughkeepsie and of the 
charter of the City, and benefited by the growth which 
took place to effect the change thus indicated. Pough- 
keepsie was then a legal and political center, and many 
men prominent in that day in the State were brought 
into Christ Church through the influence of its Rector. 

While Dr. Reed has been classed with Bishop Hobart 
in Churchmanship, he was unlike him in all other ways, 
for, where Hobart was brilliant and energetic, and, per- 
haps, aggressive, John Reed was deliberate, steady, even 
and tactful. He had the patience to go about the es- 
tablishment of a congregation by slow, painstaking, but 
sure and reliable methods, securing a deep and abid- 
ing personal hold upon the people, and thereby winning 
many into the Church. On the parish register are found 
many adult baptisms by him, and the lists of wardens, 
vestrymen and pewholders include the names of some 
of the ablest men of the day in Poughkeepsie. The bar 
was represented by such men as James Emott, Sr., Philo 
Ruggles, James Hooker, Richard D. Davis, Leonard 

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The Records of Christ Church 

Maison and Stephen Cleveland. Of these, James 
Emott, LL.D., whose career was distinguished as a mem- 
ber of Assembly and of Congress, as County Judge and 
as a Judge of the Circuit Court of New York State, was 
warden of Christ Church thirty-three years, Trustee of 
the General Theological Seminary 1826-1850, and elected 
by the diocese to represent it at the General Conven- 
tions of 1826, 1829, 1832, 1835, 1838, 1841 and 1844. 
Philo Ruggles, Surrogate and District Attorney, was 
vestryman and warden, 1807 to 1825; he built, about 
1800, a double frame house on Market street (with a 
fine example of a dignified, carved doorway and fan light), 
which was known by the present generation as the Hook- 
er house, and he occupied the same until his removal to 
New York City in 1826. James Hooker, who later came 
into the possession of this house, which was torn down 
to make way for the new building of the Young Men's 
Christian Association, was regarded as one of the safest 
and most conservative counsellors; he was a Presidential 
Elector, 1836, Canal Commissioner, Surrogate, and was a 
member of Christ Church vestry from 1817 to 1858. 
Richard D. Davis, member of Congress, and long asso- 
ciated with public affairs, a man of marked ability, was 
continuously in the vestry from 1826 to 1853, and many 
years secretary to that body, although it is regretfully 
to be added that afterward, for a time, he was a Spiritual- 
ist. The same fact is true of Nathaniel P. Tallmadge in 
his later life, after his removal in 1844 from Poughkeepsie 
to Wisconsin, but who, while in Poughkeepsie, was 
a faithful member of the Episcopal Church, and served 
this parish in its vestry from 1821 to 1836. Tallmadge 
was a Senator of the United States, 1833-1844, and 
prior to that was a State Senator; he was a lawyer, a 

141 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

leader of the oft-quoted Poughkeepsie Improvement 
Party in the thirties, and was identified with most of the 
banking and freighting enterprises of the town; the 
house he built for himself is that on Delafield street, 
more recently occupied by Mr. Irving Elting. 

From the medical profession the congregation included 
Dr. John Thomas and his nephew, Dr. William Thomas, 
Dr. Elias Trivett and Dr. John Cooper, whose son. Dr. 
John Reed Cooper, was the Rector's namesake, and 
whose son-in-law, Dr. Walter Hughson, was baptized by 
Dr. Reed in 1841 when just beginning practice here. 
Henry Davis, who was president of the Dutchess County 
Baiik and whose brick dwelling house on Market street 
has been remodelled as the present Fallkill National 
Bank, Walter Cunningham, business man, banker and 
leader of the Improvement Party, and Captain Frederick 
Barnard of the Poughkeepsie Whaling Company are 
examples of the class of men in commercial life whom Dr. 
Reed had in his pastoral care. 

One accession made in Dr. Reed's day had a lasting and 
widespread influence in the Episcopal Church in this 
country. There was living in the part of the township 
of Beekman, Dutchess County, that has since become 
the township of La Grange, a farmer, Joseph Potter, 
a member of the Society of Friends and the father 
of several sons. The eldest ' son, born in 1784, and 
given a name peculiarly suited to the Friends, that 
of Paraclete, came to Poughkeepsie about 1805-1808, 
established himself in the book and printing business, 
married, in 1809, a daughter of one of the wardens 
of Christ Church, and, in 1810, became a pewholder. 
In 1815 he bought The Poughkeepsie Journal and 
Constitutional Republican, which he edited and pub- 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

lished for a great many years, during which he was 
connected with almost all the educational and business 
interests of Poughkeepsie. Paraclete Potter was a 
conspicuous member of the Improvement Party of 1835, 
but his service to the town through that channel was 
short in time as compared with the long years his book 
store was a center of influence. That was in existence 
by, or before, 1814, and continued until 1841, when its 
owner removed to Wisconsin. Throughout that period 
it was used much as a literary and political club. All the 
lovers of literature in the place gravitated there, and 
read and discussed the contents of the shelves, while 
influential politicians assembled to debate current issues. 
The late Isaac Piatt, editor of The Poughkeepsie Eagle, 
became an apprentice to Paraclete Potter in the office 
of The Poughkeepsie Journal in 1821, and, in reminis- 
cences once published^ by him, he described the reading- 
room attached to the rear of the book store, and the 
gatherings in it of leading citizens. In referring to the 
prominent men accustomed to meet there, he mentioned 
twenty-four names, eighteen of which are found on the 
pew and vestry lists of Christ Church, which is a striking 
illustration of the position the parish had come to occupy 
in the community. 

By the marriage and settlement in Poughkeepsie of 
Paraclete Potter, an opportunity was afforded two of his 
brothers to obtain a better education than was within 
their reach in Beekman. Accordingly, about 1812, 
Alonzo Potter, born 1800, and Horatio Potter, born 1802, 
entered the Academy, on Academy street, Poughkeepsie, 
opposite the parsonage occupied by Dr. Reed. No 
evidence has been found to determine whether they were 

1 The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, April 30th; 1867, 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

boarding pupils or lived in their brother's home, but 
the latter is more probably the fact. In either case they ^ 

became attendants at Christ Church, and the son of one 
of them once made an interesting statement in regard 
to this. In the present Christ Church, on December 2d, 
1900, the day of the institution of the Reverend Alexan- 
der G. Cummins, Jr., as Rector of the parish. Bishop 
Henry C. Potter spoke of his father and uncle, and said 
that "their love for the Church, and their connection 
with it, dated from the day that they, two Quaker lads, 
wandered into the old first Christ Church, and felt the 
charm of its services." 

Alonzo Potter remained at the Academy in Poughkeep- 
sie from 1812 to 1815^ when he entered Union College. 
After his graduation he prepared for the ministry, and 
was made Deacon in 1821, and Priest in 1824. Mean- 
while, his brother, Horatio, two years his junior, re- 
mained in Poughkeepsie (probably until 1822, as he 
graduated from Union in 1826), and, after he left the 
Academy, served as a clerk- in the book store of his 
brother. Paraclete. During a summer vacation from 
college, on August 10th, 1823, Horatio Potter was 
baptized by Dr. Reed, and so is even more especially a 
spiritual child of Christ Church than his brother, Alonzo. 

The late Bishop of New York, Henry Codman Potter, 
always held in the tenderest regard the parish which he 
considered the cradle of his family's life in the Church. 
With certain of his kindred he gave the chancel-window in 
memory of his father and uncle, when the third church 
was erected in 1888; he rarely, if ever, failed, when he 

1 PoUer Genealogy, Part 10, pp. 37-38. 

2 Reminiscences of Isaac Piatt, The Povghkeepsie Daily Earjle, 
April 30th, 1867. 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

made his visitations, to dwell upon the associations with 
the past which were clustered here for him; and the 
preparation of this volume is, in part, due to his desire 
that a history of Christ Church should be written. Just 
before his last illness came upon him, he sent the writer 
an urgent message that this labor of love should surely 
be accomplished. 

At the time that Alonzo and Horatio Potter were thus 
first brought into touch with the Episcopal Church, the 
building on Market street, in which they worshipped, 
was still the one that was erected in 1774, and which 
stood until 1833. It is our great good fortune that a 
detailed account of that building, as it appeared in 1820, 
has been procured. 

Mr. Henry J. Ruggles, late of New York City, de- 
ceased, a son of Philo Ruggles, was born in Poughkeepsie 
in 1813, and lived opposite the church until 1824, when 
he went away to boarding school. Mr. Ruggles was a 
man of much intellectual ability combined with an 
unusual memory and habit of observation, and, in 1903, 
at the age of ninety, with his mental clearness unimpair- 
ed, he took unlimited pains to give the writer a complete 
and accurate description of the church as he knew it 
about 1820. This description is presented here, partly 
in quotations from his letters, and partly from notes 
taken in conversation with him, the notes being after- 
ward examined and approved by him. 

Replying to the first inquiry made of him, Mr. Ruggles 
wrote: "If by Christ Church you refer to the church 
that stands, or stood, on the northeast corner of Market 
and Church streets, Poughkeepsie, I may say that I knew 
it in boyhood very well, for I was born in a house nearly 
opposite (my father's), and saw the building, I may say, 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

every day of my life from my first year till my eleventh, 
that is from 1813 to 1824, in which latter year I went to 
live at Dr. Allen's boarding school at Hyde Park; but 
I never heard the church called by any other name than 
*The English Church.' It was a brick building, and 
had stone casings around its windows, which were long 
and pointed, and reached from the level of the pews to 
the roof, so as to light both the first floor and the gallery. 
Dr. Reed (I believe he was a 'Doctor'), who lived at the 
corner of Academy and Cannon streets, was the parson 
at that time. My father was a member; I generally 
accompanied him to church, and many of Dr. Reed's 
eloquent sermons have fallen on my unappreciative 
ears. ***** I ^as in Poughkeepsie about eighteen 
years ago and there was then upon the corner of Market 
and Church streets a church, but it was not the old 
church as I recollect it. When you speak of my father's 
grave to the north of the baptistry, I do not know to 
what you refer. My father, who died in 1829, was 
buried in a cemetery, which many years ago was laid 
out on a piece of land adjoining the village on the south, 
which was known in my boyhood as 'The Common,' 
and, at the time of his interment, there was no church 
building (according to my recollection) near the spot." 

The old church stood upon a knoll, and, when Church 
street was cut through from Market, it was left upon a 
bank, which created, in the angle formed by the two 
streets, a terrace, with a flat top that was wide enough 
for two to walk upon abreast. The terrace sloped away 
from the corner in either direction until it merged with 
the grade of the street. Along the Church street side 
of the church lot ran a high board fence, painted red, and 
on the Market street front was a lower wooden fence 

146 



The Records of Christ Church 

with round pales and a brick sidewalk. North of the 
church, a gate in the Market street fence admitted 
funerals, the graves being mostly at the east and south 
sides of the church. 

"The exterior of the building was plain; it was a 
rectangular parallelogram, longer than it was broad; a 
neat enough little church, without pretension to archi- 
tectural beauty." The east end was flat, with a large 
window of clouded glass, set, as were all the windows, 
in red sandstone casings; at the west end, over the en- 
trance, was the tapering spire of wood, painted white, 
resting upon a four-cornered base, also of wood, but 
painted a darker shade than the spire, and forming the 
belfry. The weather vane on top of the spire was tri- 
angular. 

Through the door at the west end, access was had 
directly to the church,without a vestibule, a stove stand- 
ing between the door and the pews. Two aisles separat- 
ed a double set of pews in the center from a single row 
at either side, and a few additional pews were in the 
corners at the east end, at right angles to the others. 
They were all built with doors and a slanting shelf for a 
book and kneeling rest. The galleries on the north and 
south sides contained three banks of pews (the north 
side for the men, and the south side for the women), 
and that at the west held the organ. All the woodwork 
was painted white, and the walls were light. 

In front of the large window at the east end, was a 
platform, raised about a foot above the level of the pew 
floor, and surrounded by a mahogany railing and 
kneeling cushion. Before the window was the high 
pulpit of part-octagon shape and wineglass stem; it 
was painted a peculiar shade of "greenish-yellowish 

147 



The Records ofChrist Church 

white," and there was a large cushion for a sermon rest. 
Above it was a huge sounding-board, and below it a 
long narrow reading-desk, on the north end of which 
lay the Bible. Below the reading-desk was the Com- 
\ munion Table. 

\ This "three-decker" arrangement, as it is now called, 

was introduced by Bishop Hobart,^ and was the one in 
most common use at the time. Before his day in the 
Church, the Tables for the Communion had been hidden 
behind the enormous pulpits, but the emphasis laid by 
the Bishop on the sacramental aspect of religion brought 
them out to a position of comparative honor in full view 
of the congregation. It follows that, as this placing was 
the plan of Bishop Hobart, it must have been adopted in 
Christ Church during the rectorate of Dr. Reed, as 
rectorate and episcopate began simultaneously, and 
this leads to a belief that it was at this time that the 
original Table, given by Mr. John Crooke, was relin- 
quished, for a Table of another design was in use about 
1820.2 

A question to Mr. Ruggles regarding the Communion 
silver used in his boyhood drew from him this anecdote : 
"I distinctly remember that Dr. Reed used to administer 
the sacramental wine from a large silver cup. And this 
cup I remember from an incident, very unimportant in 
itself, which, however, as a reminiscence of the old 
church, I will mention. The chancel was at the east end 
of the church,then came the pews, but between the pews 
and the front door there was a small space, where a 
plain bench, large enough for three or four persons, was 
placed to accommodate chance comers. On this bench 

1 Tiffany's History of the Protestant Episcopal Church, p. 458. 

2 See Mr. Ruggles's drawing of the interior of the church. 

148 



\ 



INTERIOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING 
About 1820 



The Records oj Christ Church 

might be seen every Sunday an aged black woman, very 
neat in her attire, which, however, indicated great 
poverty. She was a church member, a communicant, 
and on Communion Sundays, after the 'Saints' of the 
white race had communed together. Dr. Reed would look 
over the pews towards the old negress (who, at some pe- 
riod of her life, must have been a slave, if she were not so 
then) and she would slowly shuffle up to the chancel- 
railing, and partake of the elements, communing alone 
with God! and it used to occur to my boyish mind, when 
I saw her raise the cup to her lips, whether it did not make 
the poor creature feel a little happy and proud to be 
allowed to sip from what seemed so splendid a silver 
vessel. That was nearly a hundred years ago, and the 
races still disdain to go to Heaven together." 

Of the singing-school then maintained, and the ob- 
servance of Christmas Eve, Mr. Ruggles gave realistic 
descriptions. "The organist of the church (in those 
days) was Abel Gunn, a youthful genius, with sunken 
cheeks and a consumptive tendency, while a tall and 
lank New England singing-master, of the name of Stough- 
ton, exercised the youths and maidens of the congrega- 
tion in psalm singing. He used to walk up and down 
before the class, and, as they sang, he waved his arms 
and beat time with both hands at once, reminding me of 
some picture I had seen of a sorcerer performing an 
incantation. He was particularly strong upon anthems, 
his favorites being 'Strike the cymbals,' and 'Sound the 
loud timbrels o'er Egypt's dark sea.' In one of these 
(I have forgotten which) there is an allusion to a roll 
of thunder; and here was Abel Gunn'^ opportunity, for 
at this point he introduced a sort of organ 'Obligato,' 
in which, by the aid of the low stops and notes of his 

149 



The Records of Christ Church 

instrument, lie imitated a crash of thunder with such 
fidelity as to win unbounded admiration!" 

"I do not remember any occasion when the church was 
lighted up except on Christmas Eve, and then it was 
done by candles attached in some way to the pillars 
that supported the galleries. The church was always 
profusely decorated with evergreens on that occasion, 
and to me it appeared all light and cheerfulness. I 
suppose I must have attended service there four or five 
times before I left Poughkeepsie, and one of the things 
I learned to regard as an attraction on that evening 
(I was generally asleep during the sermon) was the con- 
cluding hymn, 'While Shepherds watched their Flocks 
by Night,' which was sung to music which I thought 
exquisite,and it is fresh in my mind how the words of the 
hymn (which, in fact, are exceedingly meagre and poor, 
tho' I did not know that then) and the sweetness of the 
music (probably not very artistic) charmed my fancy 
with the picture of the fearful watch of the shepherds, and 
the radiant descent of the angel with his glad message, 
and I may say that, in the course of a long life, I have 
never heard any better music, or, at least, any that pleas- 
ed me more, than that simple hymn in the old Pough- 
keepsie church." 

A letter from Mr. Ruggles, dated New York, December 
8th, 1903, explains itself: 

My dear Miss Reynolds, 

I send you by express a rough drawing of the interior of the 
old "English Church" at Poughkeepsie. _ It was made from 
my recollections by my son, who is an architect, and is, of 
course, hable to many mistakes in particulars. It is, more- 
over, the result of three attempts, of which I used the first two 
for guides and correction. I see in it slight errors in small 
details, but the main effect, the relative position of pulpit, lec- 

150 



The Records of Christ Church 

tern, and Communion Table, and the general effect of the church 
is correct. Of course it is roughly done, there is no attempt 
to do fine work in it, but it is exact and near enough to the 
reality to give a fairly correct notion of the interior of the old 
building, as it once was, and, as such, I thought it might be 
serviceable and have therefore ventured to send it. 
I remain. 

Your friend and servant, 

Henry J. Ruggles. 

A question, previously referred to, that was put to Mr. 
Buggies about the Communion silver was prompted by 
the lamentable lack of information which prevails regard- 
ing the fate of the two cups and the beaker presented to 
the Church in 1774. They disappeared, leaving no hint 
nor tradition of what became of them. One of the oldest 
members of the congregation, whose death has only just 
occurred, surmised the possibility that Dr. Reed had 
them melted, and made into something else, as he 
thought Dr. Reed had no liking for old things, but this 
suggestion was only a supposition. Until very recent 
years, the chalices used by this Church in the service of 
the Communion were two large cups of ungainly shape, 
without hall-marks, not of particularly finished work- 
manship, and whose origin is unrecorded. Could 
it be that these represent the material of the early 
pieces? Our ignorance on this point (and of many 
other details of Dr. Reed's administration) might not 
have existed if the contemporary treasurer's records 
were at hand. It is much to be deplored that the day 
books of WilHam Emott and of Thomas L. Davies, 
whose combined terms of office as treasurer extended 
from 1788 to 1864, are lost, and that the minutes of the 
proceedings of the vestry, kept by Dr. Reed, himself, are 
exceedingly scanty. 

151 



^ 



The Records of Christ Church 

Certain it is tliat Dr. Reed introduced some new silver, 
for, in the possession of the parish are a flagon and a 
paten (the latter still in use) bearing hall-marks which 
show that they were made in New York City by John 
W. Forbes, who was a silversmith in business there from 
1802 to 1829. Also in the possession of the parish, and 
in use, are two silver alms-basins, which are marked, 
"A donation to Christ Church from Catharine Reade 
1818." 

The donor of these plates was the widow of the former 
warden, John Reade. She occupied a house which 
still remains on Market street, guarded and overshadow- 
ed by its giant sycamores ; a house which is a landmark 
in the town, and replete with suggestion of the particular 
charm that immortalized Cranford. Let us appreciate, 
before we lose them, our remnants of a regime that is 
past! 

Mr. Ruggles remembered no Sunday School in Christ 
Church prior to his departure from Poughkeepsie in 1824. 
It is therefore hardly to be questioned that the mention of 
"70 Sunday Scholars," in Dr. Reed's parochial report 
to the Diocesan Convention of 1824, marks the begin- 
ning in that year of that important branch of parish work. 
The first Sunday School work in the Diocese of New 
York was organized in New York City in 1817 by the 
formation of the New York Protestant Episcopal 
Sunday School Society, but, although Christ Church 
Sunday School opened in 1824 with seventy pupils, it 
was not until October 19th, 1829, that the Protestant 
Episcopal Sunday School Society of Christ Church in 
Poughkeepsie adopted a name and a constitution, 
elected officers, a board of managers and a board of 
visitors, and planned its work. How long it maintained 

152 



The Records oj Christ Church 



a corporate existence, its single volume of records does 
not show. Two superintendents were appointed in 
October, 1829, Benjamin C. Van Vliet and Mrs. Anne 
Greene, who had under them a corps of eighteen teachers 
(seven men and eleven women) for one hundred and four 
pupils (forty-eight boys and fifty-six girls). r. The func- 
tion of the visitors to the school was defined as, "to 
visit the scholars and animate them to do;^their duty." 
The organizing members of this parochial society were: 



President 
Vice-President 
Treasurer 
Secretary 



Managers 



John Cooper 
Wm. T. Belden 
Elias Trivett 
J. L. Fonda 
Walter Cunningham 
Paraclete Potter 
Henry Conklin 
Marinus Pierce 



Visitors 



James Emott 
William Davies 
Geo. P. Oakley 
Elias Trivett 
John H. Davis 
James Hooker 
N. P. TaUmadge 
Thomas L. Davies 
John Stanwix 
John D. Robinson 
Stephen Pardee 
Richard I. Fonda 
Jonathan Wadsworth 
Richard Pudney 
Warren Skinner 



John Reed, D.D. 
Wm. T. Belden 
John L. Fonda 
Richard D. Davis 

Isaac Piatt 
Benj. C. Van Vliet 
Geo. M. Van Kleeck 
Eliphaz Fay 
Frederick T. Parsons 
Chester Turner 
George Hatch 



Mrs. N. P. TaUmadge 
Mrs. T. L. Davies 
Mrs. J. D. Robinson 
Mrs. Dr. Reed 
Mrs. J. Hooker 
Mrs. J. Emott 
Mrs. William Davies 
Mrs. I. I. Balding 
Mrs. Ann Green 
Miss Elizabeth Parkinson 
Mrs. Leonard Davis 
Mrs. J. W. Oakley 
Miss Sally Davis 
Mrs. John L. Fonda 
Miss Harriet Smith." 



153 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

The land surrounding the church had been used for 
burial purposes from the time of the erection of the 
building. So early as 1775 the vestry formulated rules 
governing interments; they ordered, then, that the 
sexton was to be applied to when it was desired to have 
a grave opened in the churchyard, and that two shillings 
were to be paid for the use of the church for funerals, and, 
in 1786, it was further voted to have a "decent board 
fence put about the Churchyard." The yard was not a 
large one, and by 1816 the vestry thought well to 
authorize Mr. Reed "to negotiate for ground for a 
Burial place, and to report thereon." Neither at that 
time was anything accomplished, nor in 1825, when the 
proposition was again brought up, but, in 1828, the 
property was acquired on which the present church 
building stands. It is part of a tract which the early 
maps of Poughkeepsie show was a village common, and 
it was spoken of as "the common" so late as in the boy- 
hood of Henry J. Ruggles, about 1820. It sufifered 
encroachments by squatters (as had the common north- 
east of the village, adjoining the Church glebe), and 
Dr. Reed had to untie some tangles in the title before 
the Corporation took final possession. 

The map of Poughkeepsie for 1790 shows Ragged 
Lane (now Academy street), starting at Main street and 
ending at a road that is now Montgomery street; on the 
south side of that road, facing Ragged Lane, was "Van 
Kleeck's White House." How Lawrence Van Kleeck came 
into possession of the portion of the common surrounding 
his house does not appear, but, in 1791, he having died, 
the Sheriff sold this land to George Ludlow of New York, 
to satisfy judgments against Van Kleeck's heirs, and Dr. 
Reed purchased from George Ludlow's devisees. 

154 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Meanwhile, a large section of the common had come 
into the hands of a certain Bronson French. Tradition 
says that French's farm was steadily increased in size 
by the occasional, quiet advancement of his fences. 
However that may be, his boundaries, as put forth by 
him, stood in the way of a clear transfer from the Lud- 
lows to Dr. Reed, and it was necessary to extinguish his 
claim by procuring a separate deed from him, in which 
the consideration named is one dollar. The price paid 
by Dr. Reed to the Ludlows in 1828 was $666.67, for an 
undivided interest in about seven acres of land. The 
seven acres were held in common by the Church and the 
Ludlows until December 20th, 1836, when a deed of 
partition was signed. By this deed, the Church took 
title^ to all the land between Montgomery and Barclay 
to the north and south, and Hamilton and Academy to 
the east and west, except the lot on the southeast 
corner of Montgomery and Carroll, and a narrow strip at 
the northwest corner of Barclay and South Hamilton, 
which were retained by the Ludlow heirs. 

Dr. Reed's purchase from the Ludlows was made on 
January 15th, 1828, and his deed from Bronson French 
he obtained on March 15th, following. On April 19th, 
the vestry endorsed his action, and voted to reimburse 
him for the money he had advanced, not only for the 
purchase price, but also for the improvement of the land, 
the minute stating that one half of it had then been laid 
out in plots, and enclosed as a burying-ground. 

Among the parish records is a small account book, 
with entries in Dr. Reed's writing, giving his receipts 
and disbursements in behalf of the burying-ground. 

1 Deeds relating to this property are filed in the County Clerk's 
office, Liber 42, pp. 1, 3, 4; 58, p. 401; 59, p. 593; 61, p. 441. 

155 



The Records ofChrist Church 

This little book shows that from January 15th to May 
26th, 1828, he was busy preparing the ground for the use 
to which it was to be put, removing stones, laying out 
paths, embanking terraces, sowing Timothy seed, setting 
boundary stones, buying locust posts, bolts and locks, etc. 

The item of expenditure of greatest interest to the 
present generation is that of $31 . 25 for one hundred and 
twenty-five trees. The elms and maples, the sycamores 
and evergreens, the dogwoods and the old English 
hawthorn of our church square are dear to us all. How 
many of them were set out by Dr. Reed in the spring of 
1828 at twenty -five cents apiece? 

The total expense incurred by Dr. Reed in this matter 
was $1,400.78; about half was for the land and half for 
its development, labor occasioning most of the cost of the 
latter. To meet the amount a subscription was taken 
in March, April and May, 1828, by which $1,130.00 was 
raised, thus leaving but a small deficiency for a vestry 
appropriation. 

Dr. Reed recorded his receipts from this subscription, 
and the names of the subscribers are probably equivalent 
to a list of the original plot owners: 



Isaac I. BaldwiB 


$10.00 


William Davies 


$80.00 


Frederick Barnard 


20.00 


Thomas L. Davies 


20.00 


William T. Belden 


20.00 


William A. Davies 


20.00 


Amaziah Blakeslee 


10.00 


Henry Davis 


40.00 


David Boyd 


10.00 


Leonard Davis 


40.00 


Gilbert Brewster 


40.00 


Richard D. Davis 


20.00 


Josiah Burritt 


20.00 


John Depew 


10.00 


George Clark 


10.00 


Capt. Dutton 


10.00 


Stephen Cleveland 


20.00 


James Emott 


40.00 


Harry Conklin 


40.00 


Peter Everitt 


40.00 


Dr. John Cooper 


20.00 


Henry A. Fields 


10.00 


Walter Cunningham 


40.00 


Stephen Fogerson 


10.00 


Myron Dakin 


10.00 


John L. Fonda 


20.00 



156 



The Records oj Christ Church 



Richard I. Fonda 


$10.00 


Stephen Pardee 


$10.00 


Joseph Gavit 


10.00 


John Parkinson 


20.00 


Capt. Robert Gill 


10.00 


Mariniis Pierce 


10.00 


Samuel and Joseph 




Paraclete Potter 


20.00 


Gunn 


10.00 


Richard Pudney 


10.00 


Barney Hawkins 


10.00 


John D. Robinson 


20.00 


Nathaniel Hill 


10.00 


Philo& Samuel B. 




Gertrude Hoffman 


10.00 


Ruggles 


20.00 


James Hooker 


20.00 


Warren Skinner 


10.00 


Robert I. Kidney 


10.00 


John Stanwix 


10.00 


Leonard Maison 


20.00 


Nathaniel P. Tallmadge 40. 00 


Gideon Mosely 


10.00 


Dr. William Thomas 


10.00 


John P. Myers 


10.00 


Dr. Elias Trivett 


40.00 


Thomas J. Oakley 


40.00 


Jonathan Wadsworth 


40.00 


George P. Oakley 


20.00 


Frederick Woodruff 


10.00 


John W. Oakley 


20.00 


WiUiam Worrall 


10.00 



This property of Christ Church came to be commonly 
called "the old English burying-ground." It continued 
in use as a cemetery until the growth of the city led the 
Common Council, about 1871, to prohibit further inter- 
ments, and, in the late seventies and the eighties it had 
become so densely overgrown, such an unkempt, sorry 
sight, that children hurried past its high picket fence to 
escape the awe with which its shadows filled them. This 
chaos was reduced to order in 1887, and, in the clearance 
which then took place, there was revealed a stone with 
an inscription of rare beauty and simplicity, to which a 
little story is attached. 

In the days of Queen Anne, a Lieutenant Willoughby 
of the British Army was sent with his regiment to the 
West Indies,where he left the Army, married and settled. 
In the first quarter of the nineteenth century, the?e came 
to Poughkeepsie one of his descendants, a young man, 
who, so long as he remained here, was a faithful member 
of this parish, and between whom and Samuel Ruggles 

157 



The Records oj Christ Church 

there grew up a David and Jonathan friendship. Wil- 
loughby has been described to the writer by Samuel 
Ruggles's brother, the late Henry J. Ruggles, as a youth 
of gentle nature and refined face. He left Poughkeepsie 
about 1821 (as did Samuel Ruggles also), and died 
suddenly in New York City a few years later. His 
body was brought back here, to the English burying- 
ground, and there Samuel Ruggles placed a stone, by 
which the name Willoughby is made fragrant for Christ 
Church with the sweetness of true sentiment. Surely 
an altar to friendship is this monument that bears only 
the words: 

My 
Dear Friend 

WILLOUGHBY 

Died 
1827 

One reason why the purchase of a new burial-ground 
was advocated was that very little free space remained 
in the church lot, in the immediate vicinity of the build- 
ing, and what there was would be wanted in the event 
of additions or alterations to the latter. 

The necessity for enlarging the first church, or erecting 
a second one, became apparent soon after the installment 
of John Reed as Rector. Under his ministrations, the 
congregation so increased that the enlargement of the 
building was discussed in 1814 and 1815, and rather 
extensive repairs and additions were actually made in 
1822, although just what they were is not known. They 
proved insufficient for the still growing need, and, on 
February 1st, 1833, the vestry resolved to build an en- 
tirely new church. 

158 



VIEW OF THE PRESENT CHURCH BUILDING 

From the northwest 

The shrubbery at the left surrounds the monument to Willoughby 
Copyright, 1910. Frank B. Howard 



The Records of Christ Church 

Dr. Reed, Dr. Trivett and Richard D. Davis were 
appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions, upon a 
stock plan which had been followed by Trinity Church, 
New Haven, in 1813. A letter of March 22d, 1832, 
from the Rector of Trinity, the Rev. Harry Crosswell, 
to Dr. Reed, is among our parish papers, and endorses 
this scheme as having been successful in New Haven. 

In accordance with it, the subscriptions made were 
received as loans by the Corporation of Christ Church, 
which issued to each subscriber a certificate, and agreed 
to pay the holder four per cent annual interest, the Cor- 
poration reserving to itself the right to pay the principal 
at its own pleasure. 

The certificates were transferable, and in the course 
of years many transfers did take place, which make the 
accounts relating to this debt on the church somewhat 
complicated. Just when the whole debt was extinguish- 
ed is difficult to determine. 

The recorded subscriptions amounted to $11,500.00, 
and certificates aggregating $6,000.00 were at once 
surrendered to the Church as gifts. Dr. Reed, person- 
ally, from time to time, bought up $2,150.00 worth of 
scrip, which, upon the death of his widow in 1858, was 
sold by the executor of his estate to William A. Davies, 
and by Mr. Davies presented to the Church. Scrip, 
amounting to $1,850.00, was gradually acquired by 
Stephen M. Buckingham, who, on October 18th, 1870, 
sold the same to the Corporation for $1,024.20. The 
Corporation was enabled to make the purchase of Mr. 
Buckingham by means of a legacy received in 1870 from 
the estate of William Davies's widow. 

The names of the original subscribers and the amounts 
of their subscriptions are: 

159 



The Records ofChrist Church 



Isaac I. Balding $ 50 

Frederick Barnard 100 

WUliam T. Belden 100 

Gilbert Brewster 500 

Josiah Burritt 100 

Dr. John Cooper 100 
Walter Cunningham 500 

William Davies 2,000 

Thomas L. Davies 500 

Hannah Davis 500. 

Henry Davis 500 . 

JohnDepew 100 

James Emott 1,000 

Alexander Forbus 200 

Abel Gunn Jr. 100 

Abijah S. Hatch 50 

Gertrude Hoffman 150 

James Hooker 500 

William Hoyle, Jr. 50 

Edward K. James 200 

Charles Johnston 300 

Leonard Maison 100 



00* George C. Marshall $100.00 

00 Isaac M. Newcomb 150 . 00 

00 George P. Oakley 

00 Mary Parkinson 

00 Marinus Pierce 

00* Richard Pudney 

00 David V. N. Radcliffe 100 . 00 

00 * John D. Robinson 250 . 00 

00* Charles H. Ruggles 

00* Hunting Sherrill 

00* Stephen Southwick 

00* John Stanwix 

00* William S. Stevens 

00* Nathaniel P. Tall- 

00 madge 

00 William Thomas 

00* Henry I. Traver 

00* Dr. Elias Trivett 

00 Joseph J. Waldron 

00* Charles Warner 

00 Thomas Williams & Son 200.00 

00 George W. WooUey 100.00 



500.00 

500.00 

50.00 

100.00 



100.00 

100.00 

100.00 

100.00* 

100.00 

300.00 
100.00 
200.00 
500 . 00 
100.00 
50.00 



In March, 1833, Dr. Reed, Richard D. Davis and 
Thomas L. Davies were appointed a committee to ob- 
tain a plan and proposals for the building. Their report, 
submitted on April 13th, was adopted, and they were 
authorized to make a contract with Elijah Northrop to 
build the new church for a price not to exceed $11,000.00 
and such parts of the old building as might be wanted. 
The contract drawn fixed the price as $10,900.00, which 
was all paid between June 17th, 1833, and July 24th, 
1834, and, on June 5th, 1834, the building was consecrat- 
ed by Bishop Onderdonck. 

The only contemporary reference to the consecra- 
tion service that has been seen is one made by 
the Bishop in his address to the Diocesan Convention 

* Scrip surrendered to the Corporation as a gift. 

160 



EXTERIOR OF THE SECOND CHURCH BUILDING 

Erected 1834 
From a photograph taken in 1889 



The Records ofChrist Church 

that year. He said that "on Thursday (June) 5th it 
gave me great pleasure to consecrate Christ Church, 
Poughkeepsie, a handsome and commodious brick edifice, 
erected by that ancient and respectable parish on the site 
of their former church. The increased accomodations 
for worship afforded by this church were rendered neces- 
sary by the enlargement of the parish, which, by God's 
blessing, had attended the labors of the nearly five-and- 
twenty years incumbency of the present Rector." 

The exterior of this building is familiar to all at the 
present day from photographs, and to many from rec- 
ollection also. 

The interior was not the same when the church was 
built that it was in later years, and no pictures exist of 
it as it was in 1834, but the specifications for the build- 
ing (on file with the parish papers) and the memory of a 
few persons still living, who knew it well in their youth, 
afford us the information that it was essentially the same, 
in general plan, as the first church, with only one im- 
portant exception. 

The exception was that, behind the three-decker pulpit, 
desk and Communion Table (which were newly built for 
the second church), instead of a window was a wood screen 
about twenty-five feet high and fifteen feet wide, set 
about three feet out from the east wall of the church. 
The main portion of the screen was done in panel work, 
and the top terminated in three Gothic arches. In the 
center of the panel work a door opened out toward the 
congregation, on a level with the floor of the high pul- 
pit, the door being reached by a staircase behind the 
screen. The narrow space between the screen and the 
wall was used as a robing-room, and entry was had to it 
by a door at the north end. 

161 



The Records ofChrist Church 

It was the custom then for the clergy to lay aside the 
surplice, or sacramental vestment, when entering the 
pulpit, and to perform their teaching function in the 
academic gown. Hence, from 1834 to 1854, while this 
screen was in existence, the children in Christ Church 
used to watch eagerly for what they considered a delight- 
ful Jack-in-the-Box performance. The Rector would 
leave the reading-desk just before the sermon, disappear 
through the door at the north end of the screen wearing 
his surplice, and suddenly reappear, in the high pulpit, 
in his black gown. 

The children in Dr. Buel's time, especially, enjoyed 
this incident, for Dr. Buel was a man of quick, nervous 
movements, and he seemed to veritably burst through the 
screen-door into the pulpit. And not only the children 
were impressed by his motions. The writer has been 
told, by one who was a young woman in the days of Dr. 
Buel and the screen, that his angular, sidewise jerk of 
his shoulders, as he twisted himself through the narrow 
door at the north end one Sunday soon after his institu- 
tion as Rector, made her companion whisper to her 
spontaneously, "We never could call a, fat parson!" 

One of the first formal occasions in the new Christ 
Church occurred a month after its consecration, when, 
on July 3d, 1834, a memorial service for General La 
Fayette was held. The day was observed in the village 
by a national salute at sunrise and a single gun half- 
hourly all day; at ten A.M. a procession formed, under 
command of General Leonard Maison, its march ending 
"at the Episcopal Church, where" (says The Poughkeepsie 
Telegraph, July 9th, 1834) " the solemn funeral service 
of that Church was pronounced, some appropriate 
pieces sung by its excellent choir under the management 

162 



The Records ofChrist Church 

of Mr. Benjamin C. Van Vliet, and a most apposite 
and eloquent address delivered by Robert Wilkinson, Esq. 
From the time the procession took up its march until its 
entrance in church, all the bells of the village were tolled, 
colors were displayed at half mast on the principal hotels 
and by the vessels at the landings, and the banners and 
badges of the different societies in the procession were 
dressed in mourning, and crepe was worn on the left 
arm by each person." 

Again, on May 14th, 1841, when President William 
Henry Harrison died, Christ Church was the scene of a 
union memorial service, arranged by a village committee. 
The Rector was requested to read such portions of the 
Church liturgy as he thought suitable. Homer W^heaton, 
Esq., was invited to deliver an oration, and the combined 
choirs of the village rendered "a Requiem prepared for 
the occasion," entitled "On the death of General Harri- 
son. Air — Poughkeepsie."^ 

The increase in Dr. Reed's congregation, which led to 
the erection of a new church building in 1834, was par- 
alleled by the multiplication of Episcopalians in this 
vicinity in the thirties. 

Prior to this, the Protestant Episcopal Church had 
extended itself very little in Dutchess County, the only 
existing parishes in 1830, beside our own, being Trinity 
Church, Fishkill Village ; St. Peter's, Lithgow ; St. Paul's, 
Red Hook (Tivoli) ; and St. James's, Hyde Park. 

After 1809 (when Christ and Trinity Churches ceased 
to be in the care of the same clergyman), and until 1835, 
Trinity had a series of short incumbencies, interspersed 
with long vacancies. The Diocesan Convention, in 1816 

1 The Poughkeepsie Journal, May 12th, 1841. 

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The Records of Christ Church 

and 1817, united it with St. Peter's, Peekskill, and St. 
Philip's, Phillipstown, under the Rev. Petrus Ten 
Broeck, and, in times of vacancy, the Convention fre- 
quently commissioned Dr. Reed to supply the congre- 
gation. 

St. Peter's maintained existence, but with small en- 
couragement, and almost no settled clerical attention. 

St. Paul's organized^ in 1816, and was represented in 
the Diocesan Convention in 1817, but its roots are 
perhaps traceable farther back, as has been shown in 
Chapter IV. 

Several early parishioners of Christ Church were 
residents of Hyde Park, notably Judge John Johnston, 
William Bard, William Broome, Richard De Cantillon 
and Jacob Bush, and in 1812, they, with other Episco- 
palians who had settled at Hyde Park, organized^ St. 
James's Church, which was represented in Convention 
that same year, and has had continuous and prosperous 
existence for a century. 

Between 1830 and 1840 four new parishes were es- 
tablished in the county. 

In 1833, St. Anna's, Fishkill Landing, organized^ and 
was represented in Convention, the present St. Luke's, 
Matteawan, being the same as St. Anna's in all respects, 
except for a changed name and a new site for the church 
building. 

In 1834, Zion Church, Wappingers Falls, formed a 
vestry'* and was admitted into union with the diocese. 

1 Dutchess County Clerk's records, Book of Incorporation of 
Churches, p. 84. 

2 Ibid., p. 67. 

3 Ibid., p. 106. 

4 Ibid., p. 111. 

164 



PEN AND INK SKETCH 

Made in 1834, of the Screen which was in the Second Church 

from 1834 to 1854 

Proportions of sketch faulty, but design correct 




J, « ./< J/^'^ '^^ «"' / >w X. 



The Records of Christ Church 

St. Paul's, Poughkeepsie, was founded in 1835 by the 
leaders of the Improvement Party, as part of their plan 
for the development of a desirable residence section in 
the village. These men laid out Mansion Square, and 
purposed to surround it with handsome dwellings, and 
they believed that a Church was needed there. As 
most of them were members of Christ Church, it followed 
that it was an Episcopal Church they organized.^ 
The site for a building was donated by Walter Cunning- 
ham, Paraclete Potter and George P. Oakley. Oakley, 
Potter and Nathaniel P. Tallmadge were the most active 
in establishing St. Paul's, and withdrew entirely from 
Christ Church to promote the welfare of the new parish. 
In the initial steps toward its formation, they obtained 
the help of several members of Christ Church, who 
served a few terms in the vestry at St. Paul's, until 
the permanency of the new Church was assured, but 
who did not sever their original parochial connection. 

The first Rector of St. Paul's, the Rev. Frederick W. 
Hatch, assumed his duties in Poughkeepsie in June, 1836, 
and that summer began to hold services at Pleasant 
Valley also,^ with the result that in 1837 St. Paul's, 
Pleasant Valley, was organized,^ and sent delegates to 
Convention. 

One other parish, St. Peter's, Pawlingsville, is men- 
tioned at this time. It was organized^ in 1839, and 
reported itself to Convention that year, but seems to 
have passed out of existence, since. 

1 Dutchess County Clerk's records. Book of Incorporation of 
Churches, p. 118. 

2 Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of New York, 1836. 

3 Dutchess County Clerk's records, Book of Incorporation of 
Churches, p. 127. 

4 Ibid., p. 135. 

165 



The Records of Christ Church 

The spread of the Church in Dutchess County occurred 
in the latter part of Dr. Reed's rectorate in Pough- 
keepsie, just as his age and the accumulated effect of his 
long continued labor for this parish began to tell upon 
him. His handwriting in 1839 shows a palsied tendency, 
and this probably indicates the first of the several para- 
lytic strokes he suffered, and from which he died in 1845. 

As he recognized the failure of his health, he became 
greatly concerned for the future of the congregation 
which he had spent his life in gathering and serving, and 
he deliberately set about choosing his own successor. 

On January 1st, 1842, he wrote a letter to the vestry 
in which he said that "increasing age, bringing with it 
some infirmities, has reminded me that the time will 
soon come, if, indeed, not already arrived, when I should 
be unable to perform all the multiplied duties devolving 
upon me as Rector of the Church, either with profit to 
the people or satisfaction to myself; I have however 
been meditating an appeal to you for assistance. As 
soon as the now Rev. Mr. Wheaton determined to take 
Orders, knowing his more than common talents, pru- 
dence, and piety, I was desirous of securing his services 
for our congregation, and hence early had a conversation 
with him upon the subject. ***** j therefore. 
Gentlemen, take the liberty of recommending that you 
employ him, and cannot but express the hope that 
he will finally become your Rector." 

The vestry at once complied with Dr. Reed's request, 
and, in January, 1842, the Rev. Homer Wheaton became 
Assistant Minister in Christ Church. Dr. Reed's full 
confidence in, and approval of, Mr. Wheaton, was again 
expressed in a sermon in February, 1845, when he told the 
members of Christ Church that "the desire has for sever- 

166 



\ 



iiWWte 



THE REV. JOHN REED, S.T.D. 

Rector of Christ Church, 1810-1845 

From a daguerreotype in the possession of his granddaughter 

Mrs. Robert E. Coxe 




'■"-'^-' — ^"^^ 



The Records oj Christ Church 

al years occupied my mind, that, when we shall be 
separated, I might leave you in the charge of a wise and 
faithful shepherd. And now I rejoice in the confident 
hope that, when I shall be called hence, I shall leave you 
under the guidance in spiritual things of one, who is my 
own deliberate choice, and who, I believe, is worthy of 
the charge of immortal souls." 

The sermon containing the above passage was Dr. 
Reed's farewell to his people. It was read to the con- 
gregation by Mr. Wheaton, on the Third Sunday in 
Lent (February 23d), 1845, and was afterward printed 
in pamphlet form, and is a touching expression of the 
love he bore his people and his sense of his spiritual 
responsibility toward them. His subject was "Peace,'* 
and, after a treatment of it which was an unconscious 
revelation of the ripe strength and beauty of his own 
character, he added: 

And now, my beloved brethren, let me commend this sub- 
ject to your understanding and your hearts, as the last legacy 
I can leave you. I do it, not in the exact sense of a valedic- 
tory, but I send it to you as a word of counsel in season, under 
a strong apprehension that my infirmities may prevent my bid- 
ding you a farewell. 

It is now nearly thirty-five years since I took pastoral charge 
of this congregation, and it is among my most pleasant reflec- 
tions that, through this long period, uninterrupted peace and 
harmony have obtained among you. And I am thankful in 
bemg able to say that never has the thought, even, disturbed 
my mind that your harmony would be interrupted, or that 
heresy and schism would distract you. 

This happy state of things has not arisen from any ability of 
mine, or from respect to, or mfluence of, my imperfect labors, 
but it has been the fruit of growing piety to God, and increas' 
ing good will to each other. You have passed through many 
trying scenes, but you have come out from them unharmed; 
and, all ofiPences forgiven and forgotten, you here bowed to- 

167 



The Records ofChrist Church 

gether at the consecrated altar of your common Head and 
Father. 

I have been among you in many and various scenes, by day 
and by night, I have accompanied you in the days of your 
prosperity, and have rejoiced when you rejoiced. And O, in 
how many scenes of sorrow have I been with you! 

Brethren, I stand to you m a nearer relationship, and am 
bound to you by stronger ties than I have language to de- 
scribe. A great portion of this congregation have I had in my 
arms, and united them to Christ's body in the holy sacrament 
of baptism; many of you, brethren, — and would to God the 
number had been greater, — have I admitted to the comfortable 
sacrament of the Holy Supper. When I first came among you, 
I publicly told you that I came to serve you in the most mo- 
mentous of all human relations, and, in discharging my duties, 
to live and die with you; and that I was determined to know 
nothing among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 

The sermon closed with a prayer for peace, the spirit 
of which prayer the parish may well absorb, for all time, 
for its guidance, and as a valued bequest from one to 
whom it owes an incalculable debt: 

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only 
Saviour, the Prince of peace, give us grace seriously to lay to 
heart the great danger of dissensions and divisions, and ear- 
nestly to strive to maintain and set forward quietness, peace 
and love among all Christian people; 

Take away all hatred, prejudice and whatsoever else may 
hinder us from godly union and concord; 

That, as there is but one body, and one spirit, and one hope 
of our calling, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father of 
us all, so may we henceforth be all of one heart and of one soul, 
united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and char- 
ity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify Thee, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

Dr. Reed died July 6th, 1845, and the attendance at 
the funeral services,^ held in the church, bore eloquent 

1 The Churchman, July 26th, 1845. 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

tribute to the affection and respect in which he had been 
held. The ojQBciating clergy were the Rev. Homer 
Wheaton, Assistant Minister, and the Rev. Edward 
Davis of St. Paul's Church, Charlton, New York (a 
spiritual son of Christ Church), the Rev. Reuben 
Sherwood of St. James's, Hyde Park, and the Rev. 
Dr. John Brown of St. George's, Newburgh, who preach- 
ed the sermon. The church was draped in black, and the 
members of the vestry wore crepe on the left arm for 
thirty days. 

In 1910, in the congregation of Christ Church, there 
are probably only a few who are familiar with Dr. 
Reed's name, or who realize about him more than that he 
was a good man who once lived and labored here as Rector. 
It is therefore hardly possible to emphasize too strongly 
the truth that this same congregation of 1910 owes to 
him many of its blessings. 

Dr. Reed came to Poughkeepsie in the summer of 1810, 
just a century ago, and his thirty-five years of quiet, 
wise, and faithful work secured to Christ Church a posi- 
tion of dignity and honor in the community, a hundred 
years of steady growth, and a membership loyal and 
devoted unto the third and fourth generations. 

Names of Pewholders 

1810-1832 

The pews were sold annually from August, 1810, to August, 1832, 
the building being torn down in 1833. The individuals, whose names 
are here given, did not all buy pews every year, but the list includes all 
those who did purchase from 1810 to 1832: 

B. Ebenezer Badger; Sarah and Susan Baker; Valentine 
Baker; (Cat.? Baker?); Richard S. Balding; Charlotte 
Baldwin; Isaac I. Baldwin; William Bard ; Frederick H. 
Barnard; Charles P. Barnum; Thomas Barrett; Mrs. 

169 



The Records oj Christ Church 

Barrett; William T. Belden; Jedediali Benjamin; Mrs. 
Billings; Amaziah Blakesley; George Bloom; William 
W. Bogardus; Joseph A. Bostwick; Jabez Bosworth; 
Joseph Bowman; Godfrey Bowman; George Boyd; Gil- 
bert Brewster; David Brooks; Joseph Brown; Thomas 
Brownejohn; John Brush; Uriah Bulkley; William H. 
Bulkley; Dennis Burke; Josiah Burritt; R. Burritt; 
Jacob Bush; Philo Bush. 

C. AlvaT. Canfield; Edward Gary; Allen Clarke; Stephen 
Cleveland; Henry Conklin; Nathan Conklin; Dr. John 
Cooper; Archibald C. Crary; Sarah Crary; JohnCrooke; 
Mrs. Cropsey; Joseph H. Cunningham; Walter Cunning- 
ham. 

D. E. K. Dakin; Thomas L.Davies; William Davies; Daniel 
Davis; Henry Davis; John Davis; Mrs. John Davis, 
John H.Davis; Leonard Davis; Richard Davis ; "Wid'w 
Sally Davis;" Warren DeLancey; John DePew; Mrs. De 
Puyster; Mrs. Deveaux; Isaac Doughty; Samuel Dut- 
ton; Stephen Duzenbury; Joshua Dyett. 

E. James Emott; WiUiam Emott; Peter Everitt; Richard 

ard Everitt; George B. Evertson. 

F. Nathaniel Ferris; John Field; Samuel Flewelling; John 
L. Fonda; Richard Fonda; Alexander Forbus; ( ? ) 
Franklyn; Bronson French; Mrs. Frith. 

G. George Gallimore; Ezekiel Gardner; ( ? ) Gavitt; John B. 
Gay; ( ? ) Gay; Robert Gill; Thomas Goelet; James 
Gorrell; James Graham; Mrs. Ann Green; William 
Gullen; Abel Gunn; Joseph Gunn; Mrs. Gunn. 

H. George Halliwell; Frederick Harrison; James Harvey; 

Dr. Hasbrouck; Daniel Hebard; John Jay Hebard; Adam 

Henderson; Stephen Hendricksen; ( ? ) Herrick; Robert 

Hitchcock; Mrs. A. Hoffman; Mrs. Gertrude Hoffman; 

John L. Holthuysen; James Hooker; Matthew Hopper; 

Stephen Hoyt; Mrs. Hoyt; Guy Hyde. 
I. Mrs. Ingraham. 
J. Richard James; ( ? ) Jarvis; F. W. Jewett; Nathan Jew- 

ett; Samuel Johnson; John Johnston, Esq. 
K. Robert Kearney; Henry Kelsey; Gilbert Ketcham; 

Lydia Kidney; Nathaniel Kimball. 
L. David B. Lent; Sabin Lewis; Joseph G. Lightbourne. 

170 



The Rec or ds of C hr i s t Church 

M. Leonard Maison; Peter R. Maison; James Meeks; Mat- 
thew Mesier; Nathaniel G. Minturn; Mrs. Michael; 
Isaac Mitchell; Mary Mitchell; Robert Mitchell; Statia 
Mitchell; Stephen Mitchell; Mrs. Mitchell; Daniel 
Mooney; Peter B. Morgan; Gideon Moseley; Mrs. 
Moseley; John P. Myers; Nathan Myers; N. Myers, Jr.; 
Peter Ten Broeck Myers. 

N. Jacob Nelson; George Newport ; Dr. William W. NichoU; 
Mr. NichoUs; Benjamin Noble; Bartholomew Noxon; 
Robert Noxon; Ebenezer Nye. 

O. George Peters Oakley; John W. Oakley; Thomas J. Oak- 
ley; William Osborn. 

P. John Pardee; Stephen Pardee; Sylvester Parker; Miss 
Parker; JohnParkmson; Chester Parsons; Seth Parsons; 
Mrs. Parsons; E.T.Payne; Grove A. Pease; David Phil- 
lips; Mrs. Phillips; John Pierce; Marnius Pierce; Miss 
Rebecca Pierce; Captain Pierce; Mr. Pierson; Paraclete 
Potter; Sheldon Potter; Richard Pudney. 

R. David Van Ness Radcliff; Nathaniel Radford; Mr. Rain- 
geard; John Reade; Mrs. Reade; Henry Relay; Mrs. 
Henry Relay; John D. Robinson; Charles P. Rogers; 
Hilen Rudd; Theron Rudd; Nathaniel Ruggles; Philo 
Ruggles; John Ryan. 

S.^ James Sands; WiUiam Sands; Samuel Sibley; Warren 
Skinner; Gerard S. Sloan; Abel Smith; Granville Smith; 
William C. Smith; Reuben Spencer; John Stanwix; Ellas 
Steenburgh; Damon Stephens; Randall S. Street; A. B. 
Swift. 

T. Nathaniel P. Tallmadge; George Taylor; Dr. Taylor; 
Dr. John Thomas; Dr. William Thomas; Abiel G. 
Thompson; Mrs. Abiel Thompson; E. Thompson; Dr. 
Elias Trivett; William Turner. 

V. Jacob Van Ben thuysen; James L. Van Kleeck; Lawrence 
I. Van Kleeck; Jacob Van Ness; Hiram Veltman. 

W. Jonathon Wadsworth; Joseph J. Waldron; ( ? ) Ward; 
Richard Wiley; Thomas Williams ; Mrs. Wilson; Frede- 
rick Woodruff; William H. Worrall; Amaziah Wright; 
Dr. Wright. 

Y. Mrs. Yelverton. 



171 



CHAPTER VII 

1845-1875 

THE RISE OF THE HIGH CHURCH PARTY. ITS WORK FOR CHURCH 
EXTENSION, SCHOOLS AND HOSPITALS. CHURCHMANSHIP 
IN THIS PARISH. THE REV. HOMER WHEATON. THE 
PARISH LIBRARY. REPAIRS TO THE CHURCH BUILDING. 
THE FONT. THE CHANDELIERS. THE DOVE. THE PARISH 
SCHOOL. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN POUGH- 
KEEPSIE. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH OF THE 
HOLY COMFORTER. CHURCH SCHOOLS. ST. BARNABAS's 
HOSPITAL. REMINISCENCES OF 1842-1847. ERECTION OF 
A SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM, 1848. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 
CHURCH BELLS. THE CHANCEL ALTERED. VESTMENTS. 
THE DEVELOPMENT IN CHURCH MUSIC. OBSERVANCE OF 
CHRISTMAS. PERSONNEL OF THE CONGREGATION. SPE- 
CIAL SERVICES. BUSINESS MATTERS. THE REV. DR. CADY. 
DUTCHESS CONVOCATION. 

IN the latter part of the rectorate of Dr. Reed a new 
party arose in the Episcopal Church in the United 
States. 
Hitherto, the Low Church school of thought had been 
dominant, except in New York, where Bishop Hobart's 
influence prevailed. Hence, it follows that this parish, 
moulded by Dr. Reed in harmony with Bishop Hobart's 
teachings, was many years in advance of its time in 
absorbing certain principles, which, later, became more 
widely known and accepted in the period with which this 
chapter is concerned. 

In 1833 a group of men at Oxford University took the 
first steps in what came to be known as the Oxford 
Movement. Profoundly imbued with a belief in the 

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The Records of Christ Church 

Apostolic origin and authority of the Anglican Commun- 
ion, and of the importance of the sacraments in religious 
life, Newman, Pusey, Keble, Froude and others began 
their crusade to awaken the Church of England to a 
realizing sense of her own nature, claims and privileges, 
to which, in great measure, she had become indifferent. 
Their famous series of Tracts for the Times, published 
1833-1841, created widespread discussion in this country 
as well as in England, and was largely responsible for the 
emergence of the High Church party into well defined 
existence. 

This school believed that Episcopalians possessed in 
the Episcopate an institution that was traceable, his- 
torically, to the days of the Apostles; that the power of 
the Bishop of Rome was an accretion, several centuries 
after the Apostles, and that the many bodies of Christians 
(of various nomenclature), formed since the Reformation, 
were not validly organized. They considered Rome and 
the Denominations to be equally additions to, and de- 
partures from, the primitive Christian Church, one 
branch of which had perpetuated itself in the Church of 
England. 

These High Churchmen further proclaimed that re- 
ligion was not merely individual, but corporate as well. 
Not merely the relation of a man's soul to its Maker 
(the chief concern of the Low Churchmen), but that 
relation sustained and fed by the sacraments of the 
visible Church. 

Their idea of the historical continuity of the Episcopal 
Church gave them an appreciation of law and order, and 
that, in turn, made them a conservative force, opposed 
to all irregularities of ordination or innovations in 
doctrine. 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

With the conception of the Church as a living, in- 
herited organism certain views of the sacraments were 
correlated, and the latter ultimately wrought a revolu- 
tion in America in the chancels of our churches, the 
ritual of our services, the vestments of the clergy and in 
the architecture of church buildings. The New England 
meeting-house type gave way before this reversion to the 
cruciform, Gothic structures of the mother Church of 
England, and the three-decker pulpit, desk and Table 
underwent a kaleidescopic separation. The Tables were 
put back into the newly created chancels, and became 
solidly built Altars, and the pulpits and desks were moved 
to subordinate, lateral positions. 

When the High Church party first began to form, the 
machinery of the Church, such as the administration of 
foreign missionary work, was under the direction of the 
Low Churchmen. The zeal and consecration of the new 
element demanding an outlet, it came about that new 
agencies for Christian service were called into being at 
home, and High Churchmen came to be identified with 
schools and hospitals and religious orders, and the 
establishment of new parishes, all of which provided an 
opportunity for action near at hand. 

These developments in the Church as a whole were 
reproduced in Christ Church in miniature. 

Our Rectors from 1845 to 1875 were the Rev. Homer 
Wheaton, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Buel and the Rev. Dr. 
Philander K. Cady. Dr. Buel and Dr. Cady were ex- 
ponents of High Church principles. Mr. Wheaton began 
his ministry in sympathy with the teachings of his precep- 
tor, Dr. Reed, and he was an invigorating force for good in 
this parish in the short time that his connection with it 
lasted; but, some years after he left Poughkeepsie, his 

174 



ci^SI-S-J 



jaammmmm/m 



THE REV. HOMER WHEATON 

Assistant Minister of Christ Church, 1842-1845 

Rector, 1846-1847 
From a miniature in the possession of his grandson 

Isaac S. Wheaton 




wm 



The Records oj Christ Church 

intellectual processes led him to renounce his Orders in the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, and to enter the Roman 
Communion as a layman. Jolm Henry Newman was his 
friend and correspondent, and, just as Newman's spiritu- 
ality is, through his writings, the heritage of all Christians, 
regardless of outward divisions, so may Christ Church 
well treasure a knowledge of the beauty of mind and 
temper of one who once served and loved her, although 
separated from her later in other ecclesiastical bonds. 

Mr. Wheaton was virtually Rector of Christ Church 
all the time that he was nominally Assistant Minister, 
that is to say from 1842 to 1845. He and his wife came 
to Poughkeepsie to hve, about 1837, he being a lawyer, 
and Poughkeepsie offering a promising field for the prac- 
tice of his profession; but he soon came under Dr. Reed's 
personal observation and influence, and, by 1841, had 
decided to be ordained to the ministry. His admission 
to the Diaconate took place in Christ Church on Decem- 
ber 9th, 1841, and on January 1st, 1842, he became as- 
sistant to Dr. Reed, being advanced to the Priesthood 
November 13th, 1842. In the five years of his official 
connection with this congregation he made so deep an 
impression, in that which is Christlike in personal 
character, that the few persons, now remaining, who 
were here then, speak of him with emotion and enthu- 
siasm. 

To Mr. Wheaton's distinctly literary tastes, is, in part, 
to be attributed the establishment, by the Sunday 
School teachers, of a parish library, the year after his 
coming to Christ Church. Between All Saints' and 
St. Andrew's Day, 1843, a list of subscribers was ob- 
tained, who agreed to pay twenty-five cents a month for 
"the benefits of a Library of Church books, devotional 

175 



The Records of Christ Church 

practical, and doctrinal," three hundred and twenty-six 
volumes constituting the library when it opened. Mr. 
Wheaton, James Emott, Jr., and John Grubb were ap- 
pointed a library committee, and R. North, secretary. 
The original subscribers were: 

A. Cliristopher Appleton; E. C.Arnold. 

B. Caroline F. Barrett; Elijah Park Benjamin; Dr. Jacob 
Bockee; Virgil D. Bonesteel. 

C. John F. Coxhead; Corneha B. Crooke; Mary H. Crooke; 
Frederic Cunningham. 

D. Alice Davies; Sarah Davies; Mrs. Thomas L. Da vies; 
Christina L. DePew; Le Grand Dodge; Eliza De Witt 
Dutton. 

E. James Emott; James Emott, Jr. 

F. Mary Louisa Finlay; Sarah Finlay; James H. Fonda; 
John Fonda; Wilham Fonda; Elizabeth French, 

G. John Grubb. 

H. Louisa P. Holthuysen; Mary C. Holthuysen. 

J. The Rev. Hiram Jelliff. 

K Alice A. KniU. 

M. William P. Maison; Harriet A. Myers. 

N. Isaac BurhansNewcomb; R. North. 

P. Robert Palmer; Isaac Piatt. 

R. F. W. Ritter; Charles H. Ruggles. 

S.'^ William I. Street; Sarah A. Strouts; Amelia Stuart; 
Julia Stuart; Mary Stuart. 

T. Olivia Thomas; Theodore Trivett. 
V. George M. Van Kleeck. 

W. Isaac S. Wheaton; John H. Wood; Maria WoodruflF; 
John Worrall. 

In 1845 Mr. Wheaton had the church building ex- 
tensively repaired and some additions made to its fur- 
nishings. Memoranda relating to accounts, from Octo- 
ber, 1844, to October, 1845, show that $626.00 was spent 

176 



The Records ojChrist Church 

for mason work and painting, and that the marble font, 
still in use in the church, was "procured by the Ladies of 
the Parish at a cost of about $120 . 00." In the new font 
may be seen a suggestion of the emphasis laid by Mr. 
Wheaton upon the sacraments, as also in the gift "by 
one individual," at this same time, of "a Communion 
Table and appropriate books^ at a cost of over $30.00." 
To this same year are to be assigned the three chandeliers, 
composed of circles of prism pendants, which hung in the 
old church so long as that was occupied. Mr. Wheaton, 
Mr. Charles Crooke and the latter's sister, Mrs. Elijah 
Park Benjamin, were the committee which went to New 
York one warm summer day to buy them. When the 
present church was built, one of these chandehers was 
hung in the study, made up from the original three, 
many prisms having been broken in the transfer from the 
old church to the new. 

It is in 1845, in a bill for minor repairs, which is still on 
file, that the item is found, "Gilding dove, $3.00." 
And thus, in the clear light of documentary evidence, 
stands out our mysterious parochial possession, a life-size 
dove, of wood, gilded. The writer has had the privilege 
of consulting seven persons, born between 1825 and 1835, 
who have said that this dove was one of their earliest 
recollections in Christ Church, perched, as it was, upon 
the top of one of the Gothic arches of the screen behind 
the pulpit. Old enough in 1845 to need repairing, it 
may be, perhaps, that it was in Dr. Reed's mind, when, 
in his farewell sermon in February, 1845, he said, 

1 These books were used until 1889, and were then given by Dr. 
Ziegenfuss to Mrs. Horace Sague, in whose possession they now are. 
They are marked as having been presented to the Church by Mrs. 
Thomas L. Da vies. 

177 



The Records ofChrist Church 

*' Peace is the dove of the Holy Ghost, and perched above 
God's mercy seat, she extends her wings over the man- 
sions of the Angels and the Seraphs." 

Six of the seven persons, with whose childhood mem- 
ories the dove was associated, never heard how it came 
into the possession of the parish. The seventh had a 
shadowy, uncertain impression of hearing that it "came 
from Fishkill." If this were true, when and why did 
Fishkill give it? Was it so far back as 1797, when the 
glebe difficulties of the Fishkill and Poughkeepsie con- 




THE GILDED DOVE 

gregations were settled amid such peace and good- will? 
Or, was it when the two Churches parted company in 
1810, and ceased to call a Rector jointly? 

If this vague recollection were mistaken, then there 
must be taken into consideration what is, at the least, a 
marked coincidence, between this dove and the seal 
which the Corporation of Christ Church adopted in 1789. 
How is it that the seal bears a dove, flying with an oUve 
branch to the ark, and that we, from such an early date, 
have owned this wooden dove, in the beak of which it 
was long customary, in the old church, to place a fresh 
sprig of green when the Christmas decorations were in 
progress? 

178 



THE STUDY 

From a photograph taken in 1910 



The Records ojChrist Church 

It is impossible not to feel that, in the symbolism of the 
seal and the dove, combined with the keynote sounded 
in Dr. Reed's farewell sermon, Christ Church inherits a 
beautiful watchword, the preservation and perpetuation 
of which the present generation owes to the future. The 
parish has passed through stormy seasons, and will 
inevitably encounter dangers and difficulties in days 
to come, but the message is here bequeathed to us from 
the past that through them all we shall come safely, 
when we apply as their solvent the spirit of peace and 
hope typified in the seal and the dove. 

From September, 1844, to September, 1851, annual 
reports of all gifts and offerings made by Christ Church 
were recorded, which are interesting because of the de- 
tailed evidence they contain that the parish was support- 
ing home missions and educational work more than for- 
eign missions. Between the dates mentioned, a total of 
$5,114.82 was raised for special objects, and the follow- 
ing table enumerates some of those, and shows which 
attracted the largest contributions: 

$800.00 Alms and Sunday School 

770.53 Domestic Missions 

626 . 00 Repairs to the church building 

422.00 Diocesan Missions 

368.19 Bible and Common Prayer Book Society 

312.00 Foreign Missions 

261 . 26 Poor of the Parish 

249 . 00 Poor Parishes Abroad 

101 . 27 Aged and Infirm Clergy 

89.21 Theological Education Fund 

87.50 Sunday School Union 

62.34 Tract Society 

52.25 Diocesan Fund 

59 . 00 Mission to Seamen 

40 . 00 Theological Seminary 

179 



The Records of Christ Church 

The report made in October, 1845, contains this clause: 
"Last June a Parochial School for the free instruction of 
young girls was established by some of the Ladies of the 
Parish which gives promise of great usefulness." 

How much Mr. Wheaton may have had to do with the 
inception of this school it is impossible to say, but its 
history is indissolubly associated with Mrs. Thomas L. 
Davies. 

The only daughter of Dr. Reed, Jane C. E. Reed, was 
in 1826 married to the elder son of William Davies, the 
warden of the parish. Thomas L. Davies, her husband, 
was one of the leading residents of Poughkeepsie. A 
gentleman of the old school, a Churchman by birth and 
conviction, he was, for many years, vestryman and 
warden, treasurer of the Corporation and a generous 
contributor to the support of the parish. But Mrs. 
Davies was (if such a thing were possible) even more 
devoted to Christ Church than he. She was a woman of 
commanding characteristics, and, having inherited from 
her father a love for this parish and Churchmanship of a 
pronounced type, she was an influence deeply felt in all 
that concerned Christ Church. 

In her social relations she has been described as the 
Mrs. Astor of Poughkeepsie, which sufficiently indicates 
her relative position in the place, a position occupied by 
no one person before or since her day. Her appearance 
in the grande dame stage of her later years has been 
vividly pictured to the writer, as she rode in dignity in a 
capacious family coach, broad of build, wearing a scoop 
bonnet, puffs at her temples, a thread lace veil falling in 
long full folds over her face, and her hand in the swinging 
window-loop that was covered with tan brocatelle. 

The Parish School was managed by the Rector, a 

180 



THE PARISH SCHOOL BUILDING 

Corner Market and Pine Streets 
The Gift in 1857 of William A. Davies 



"*-«■ 



The Records of Christ Church 

vestry committee and a board of visitors composed of 
ladies of the parish, but Mrs. Davies's interest in it was 
the moving power behind them all, and for many years 
she made it her chief charge. 

As started, the school was for girls only, but after- 
ward a boys' department was added. From 1845 to 
1858 the sessions were held in the basement of the church, 
but, on December 7th, 1857,^ Mr. William A. Davies and 
his wife conveyed to the Corporation of Christ Church a 
lot and building on the corner of Market and Pine streets. 
The deed recites that the consideration was "$1.00, and 
a desire to promote the interests of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church," and that the building, thus presented, 
had been erected and furnished by Mr. Davies, "for the 
use of the Parish Schools connected, or to be connected, 
with Christ Church, and in which, among other things, 
the peculiar faith and worship of the Protestant Episco- 
pal Church in the United States of America shall daily 
be inculcated." 

The school was conducted in this building from 1858 
until 1884,2 when it was discontinued, and the building 
stood vacant until leased to the Quincy School in 1885. 

May 3d, 1888, the vestry of Christ Church resolved, 
"that, with the approval of Mr. William A. Davies, the 
Parish School property, donated by him to the Church, 
be sold, and the proceeds be used for building a Sunday 
School room back of the new church, the building when 
finished to be known as the Davies Memorial." A sale 
to the Quincy School Corporation was effected, and, on 
October 3d, 1888, $4,500.00 was received by the treas- 

1 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds, Liber 110, p. 300. 

2 Parochial Reports, Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of 
New York, 1858-1884. 

181 



The Records ofChrist Church 

urer of the Church in payment for the property, which 
money was appHed, in accordance with the vestry resolu- 
tion, to the cost of the present "Davies Memorial Parish 
School House." 

The Parish School received one other large individual 
gift, that of Mrs. John D. Robinson, who bequeathed by 
will to the Corporation of Christ Church $4,000.00, the 
income from which was to be used for the maintenance 
of the school. 

Mrs. Thomas L. Davies's desire, originally, was that all 
classes of children should be included in the school, and 
that it should be a powerful factor toward the upbuilding 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church, but it was found 
impossible to induce well-to-do parents to send their 
children to it, and it resolved itself into a philanthropic 
work only. The children wore a uniform, and their 
garments and shoes were almost entirely supplied by 
Christ Church. They received a general elementary 
grounding, which was overlaid by instruction in religious 
and ecclesiastical matters. 

As a feeder to the Protestant Episcopal Church the 
school was without result. The free clothing and free 
tuition brought to it large numbers of needy children, 
but these same children when they outgrew school age 
quickly drifted away from the parish. They and their 
descendants still frequently look to Christ Church for 
the occasional ministrations of baptism, marriage and 
burial, but, with very few exceptions, they have become 
part of the great non-Church-going mass of this genera- 
tion. 

The Parish School exhibits a more fortunate aspect as 
a retroactive agent. It was the equivalent, for its time, 
of modern institutional work, and afforded the parishion- 

182 



THE DAVIES MEMORIAL PARISH SCHOOL HOUSE 

Erected 1889 



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The Records oj Christ Church 

ers of Clirist Church opportunity for the expression of 
the spirit of Christian helpfuhiess. 

The social and economic conditions of the period were 
radically different from those of today, and were such as 
to make the Church a large factor in the lives of its 
members, there being fewer outside demands and 
interests to compete with it. 

In Poughkeepsie, after the Improvement boom of the 
thirties. Main street ceased to be a combined business 
and residence street. Here and there, at scattered 
points in the town, occasional substantial dwellings were 
built, but the compacted residence quarter was Mill 
street, which became the scene of a network of the ties 
of blood and friendship. Some unconscious bias toward 
city development placed the houses close to the sidewalk, 
but the deep rear lots were full of fruit trees and garden 
vegetables, and bright with flowers which were tended by 
their owners' hands. 

Deeper rooted family life, and many inter-relation- 
ships, created a family esprit de corps in the town. 
Articles that now pour forth from factories were slowly 
and laboriously made by hand, household duties were 
numerous, and there was little travel. Recreation was 
found in the interchange of simple entertainment; 
mid-day dinner was the universal rule, and the canonical, 
two-course "party supper" consisted of fried oysters and 
chicken salad, syllabub and homemade cake and pre- 
serves in variety. A great deal of solid reading was done; 
people were familiar with standard novels, history and 
biography, little trash finding its way into print. There 
was not much extreme poverty; but the poorer people 
were personally known to those in better estate, and most 
families had their particular pensioners, whose needs 

183 



The Records ofChrist Church 

they watched over; out of which relations grew life-long 
attachments and allegiances. 

Thus it was natural that the Church should be, not 
only the expression of an interest in spiritual things, but 
an intellectual and social center. By the time Dr. Reed 
died he had baptized a second generation, and it was this 
second generation of Churchmen which gave strength and 
and character to the parish at the time we are consider- 
ing. By inheritance the Church was dear to them, and 
their environment enhanced its influence. They were 
held to it by none of the more recent developments which 
now serve to attract some; the Prayer Book service and 
their own well defined sense of the place of religion in the 
world sufficed to fix it in their hearts and minds. 

A great deal of parish visiting was done; partly in 
behalf of the Parish School, but also among the old and 
sick and those in want. Among the many faithful 
workers in this field, one stands pre-eminent in the 
recollections of persons, now living, who were familiar 
with those days ; to them the name of Lydia Ingraham 
Phinney suggests holy living. A woman of true consecra- 
tion, she gave her whole life to the service of God in this 
parish, and was a deaconess all but in vow and title. At 
her death in 1879 Dr. Edward H. Parker, then a vestry- 
man, wrote some fines which have been widely quoted 
(and which have had a strange literary history), and, 
in 1893, Mrs. Parker and Mrs. Robert E. Taylor proposed 
that a memorial of Miss Phinney should be made, 
which proposition took form in a bronze cross, affixed to 
the wall of the south transept of the new church. The 
cross is carved in relief in passion flowers, and is as chaste 
and exquisite as the spirit of the woman it commemorates. 
Dr. Parker's fines were: 

184 



The Records of Christ Church 

"There Remaineth Therefore A Rest 
To The People Of God." 

Life's race well run, 
Life's work all done. 
Life's victory won; 

Now Cometh rest. 

/ 

Sorrows are o'er. 

Trials no more. 

Ship reacheth shore; 

Now Cometh rest. 

Faith yields to sight. 
Day follows night, 
Jesus gives hght; 

Now Cometh rest. 

We a while wait. 
But, soon or late. 
Death opes the gate; 

Then Cometh rest.. 

In this middle era of the history of Christ Church the 
Davies family was identified, not only with the Parish 
School, but with all other parochial interests. Approxi- 
mately, from the erection of the second church building 
in 1834 (to which William Davies was the largest con- 
tributor), to the death of Thomas L. Davies in 1880, its 
members all were active workers and generous contribu- 
tors in and to the parish, and it is a pleasure to declare 
here a due appreciation of the benefits thus received. 
No one family has ever done more in Poughkeepsie for 
the Protestant Episcopal Church, and a permanent wit- 
ness to their devotion to it, and of their desire for its 
extension, is the Church of the Holy Comforter. This 
was erected by William A. Davies in memory of his wife 
(Sarah Van Wagenen Davies, deceased 1858), on land 

185 



The Records ofChrist Church 

given jointly by him and his brother, Thomas L. Davies, 
and was largely furnished and equipped by them and 
members of their family. 

The organization of this new parish was effected in 
1859. Prior to that, it was recognized in Christ Church 
that there was need for Church services among people 
living down town, near the river, at inconvenient dis- 
tance either from Christ or St. Paul's Church, and, in 
January, 1859, a room on lower Main street was rented, 
in which the Rev. Dr. Samuel Buel officiated on Sunday 
evenings until June. The congregations were of such 
promising numbers that, on May 10th, the incorporation 
of a board of trustees took place. These original 
triTstees for the Church of the Holy Comforter were the 
Rev. Dr. Buel and Messrs. Thomas L. Davies, William 
A. Davies, Robert E. Coxe, John W. VanWagenen, 
George Cornwell and Benjamin R. Tenney, all commu- 
nicants of Christ Church. The half century of exist- 
ence of the Church of the Holy Comforter has been 
distinguished by the forty years' rectorate of the Rev. 
Dr. Robert F. Crary, and reference by the mother 
parish to the founding of the daughter would be incom- 
plete without a tribute to his unselfish and untiring 
labors. 

Contemporaneous with the Parish School and the es- 
tablishment of the Holy Comforter, were two large 
schools for girls in Poughkeepsie, under Protestant Epis- 
copal auspices. 

The Rev. Dr. D. Grosvenor Wright conducted the 
Poughkeepsie Female Academy from 1859 to 1886, 
where large numbers of girls received a thorough academ- 
ic education. The boarding pupils filled several pews 
in Christ Church all those years, and Dr. Wright and his 

186 



The Records of Christ Church 

own family were devout communicants in the parish, 
maintaining their close ties with it after the Academy 
closed. 

Cottage Hill Seminary, from 1860 to 1873, under 
the Rev. Dr. George T. Rider, had the characteristics of 
a present-day, fashionable, finishing school. It was 
distinctly a Church school, and daily services, courses in 
Church history and the study of the Prayer Book were 
part of the curriculum. In place of the usual commence- 
ment, an annual choral service was the custom, held in 
Christ Church in June. The music was rendered entire- 
ly by the girls, who practised for it all the year, the church 
was profusely decorated with flowers and filled with the 
friends of the pupils, and addresses were delivered by 
such well known clergy as Bishop Horatio Potter, Dr. 
Morgan Dix, Dr. Henry C. Potter and Dr. William R. 
Huntington. 

The founding of St. Barnabas's Hospital in 1871 was 
still another interesting expression of the spirit of its 
time. The hospital was the first in Poughkeepsie, and 
was established and maintained by members of the three 
parishes of the Episcopal Church. The board of trus- 
tees, consisting of the three Rectors and representative 
laity from each congregation, conducted St. Barnabas's 
until 1887, when Vassar Brothers' Hospital was opened. 
The income from the endowment was used from 1887 to 
1909 for relief among the sick poor, and, since January, 
1909, it has provided the services of a trained nurse, who 
makes house-to-house professional calls, where illness 
and want occasion their need. Episcopalians in Pough- 
keepsie have a right to some pride in the fact that they 
were first in the local field of hospital work, and it is 
cause for rejoicing that a continuous record of beneficent 

187 



The Records of Christ Church 

accomplishment belongs to the administration of the 
fund they created. 

In more intimately parochial matters many changes 
and developments took place between 1845 and 1875, 
the extent of which is more fully evident when conditions 
at the beginning of this time are contrasted with those at 
its close. Minute details of the church and Sunday 
School have been supplied by Miss Elizabeth Shepherd 
of New York City, her reminiscences relating to the time 
of Mr. Wheaton's work in the parish (1842-1847). 
Miss Shepherd's family came to Poughkeepsie in 1833, 
when she was a young child, and removed to New York 
City in 1847, but her affection for her mother parish is as 
fresh as in her girlhood, and it may not be malapropos to 
add, as a bit of inner history, that it was she, who, in 1900, 
suggested to the vestry committee on calling a Rector to 
Christ Church that they consider the Curate of the 
Church she attended in New York City, her suggestion 
resulting in the call to the present Rector. 

Replying to a request for information about the parish, 
as she recalled it in her youth. Miss Shepherd wrote: 

"As soon as I received your letter I began to remi- 
nisce! My recollections of my early Church life in 
Poughkeepsie are very pleasant, and I write them as 
I remember them, though so long ago, and being so 
young at the time. Dr. Reed I remember, but 
indistinctly. He always lived in Cannon street in 
my day. I attended his funeral; the remains were 
carried from the church on a bier to the 'English 
burying ground,' and the pall bearers wore white 
linen scarfs, tied on the left side, with black ribbon 
(or crepe) fastened on the right shoulder, and black 
gloves; we followed on foot. The Sunday School 

188 



The Records of Chris t Church 

children wore a black band on one arm for a period 
of time, according to the custom of Enghsh Churches 
in those days. 

"Mr. Wheaton was the one that remains indelibly 
impressed on my memory; he was a clergyman after 
my own heart, and was the Teacher that taught me 
all I knew about the Church. 

"My first recollection of going to church is the 
dove with the olive branch in its mouth. I do not 
remember its being perched, I thought it was sus- 
pended as in the act of flying. I never heard how it 
came to be placed there. 

"Our Church service was not like the present day; 
there was no Hymnal, only a few hymns and psalms 
in the back of the Prayer Book. The Gloria in 
Excelsis was sung in the morning. The Magnificat 
and Nunc Dimittis were not used, and were not in 
the Prayer Book. 

"The Communion Table stood in the middle, 
before the reading-desk, and the reading-desk in 
front of the high pulpit; the Table was a perfectly 
plain wooden one, without a cover; usually two 
silver plates for the collection' were on it. The 
Communion service consisted of a 'pitcher' and two 
* Communion cups,' supposedly of silver. No offer- 
ing was taken up, except the first Sunday in the 
month, or Communion Sunday. My mother always 
took her shilling or sixpence on those Sundays. 
Offerings did not run up into the thousands in 
those days; there was not need of it, for there 
were no poor in the Church, although several pews 
in the back of the church were reserved for that 
class. I remember the two chairs in the chancel, 

189 



The Records ojChrist Church 

as you describe them, but I do not know who gave 
them. 

"The seats in the body of the church were high. A 
few of the wealthy had their pews lined with moreen, 
studded with brass-headed nails; all pews had 
cushions, but no kneeling benches; people bent 
their heads in prayer, and rested them on an inclined 
plane ; there was a similar plane for feet, if one tired 
of swinging them in the air. Some few pews had a 
plate on the door, with the owner's name; all pews 
had doors that fastened with buttons; all carpeted 
pews. The vestibules were uncarpeted, and the bell 
rope hung from the middle of the ceiling in the tower 
entrance, and, if the sexton was ringing the bell, we 
had to circle around him to enter the church. 

"Sunday School was at nine o'clock in the morning; 
service at ten o'clock; afternoon catechising at one 
o'clock before the Communion-rail; service at three 
P. M.; again at seven P. M., the church being 
lighted with oil lamps until the new chandeliers 
came. It was a custom on Sundays, after the after- 
noon service, to visit the burying-ground, walk 
about, and meet the same people we had seen during 
the day. I often wonder how we had time to do so 
much in our Sunday. Now, one service is exhaust- 
ing. My mother and the people at that time 
called the Church 'the English Church,' and the 
burying-ground ' the English burying-ground.' 

"Dr. Reed and Mr. Wheaton both acted as super- 
intendent of the Sunday School. The school was so 
small it did not need much superintendence till Mr. 
Wheaton became Rector, then there was a change, 
and children began to pour in. The early superin- 

190 



The Records of Chris t Church 

tendents— Mr. Van Vliet and Mr. Jelliff^— I re- 
member perfectly; but Mr. James Emott I believe 
was the best, and the last I remember. He was the 
son of Judge Emott. He was there in the capacity 
of superintendent when we came to New York. 
The Sunday School was not well conducted until 
Mr. Wheaton came. 

"The school was first held in the cellar of the 
church, the entrance to which was on the south 
side, in Church street. It was very dark and 
musty, poorly lighted by two windows on the side 
of the entrance. The earth had broken through on 
the north side, and some benches, not in use, were 
backed up against the break, but that did not 
keep the soil out. Only a few benches were needed 
for the school; they were well in front on account 
of the light. There was a small pulpit; and a 
hanging closet called a library, with a few religious 
books, such as Lives of the Bishops, Shepherd of 
Salishunj Plain, Vicar of Wakefield, Dairyman's 
Daughter and Hannah More's works, beside many 
books of sermons. Dr. Reed had Wednesday 
evening service there with lecture. The room 
was lighted with oil lamps — bad odor — seats so 
high that my feet never touched the floor in 
sitting. 

"Mr. Wheaton had the school removed to the 
galleries of the church. In the galleries were pews 
for the colored members of the Church, consisting of 
a long seat so enclosed that only heads were visible. 

1 A non-parochial clergyman, who, for some years, was Principal 
of a school for boys, which he kept m the house on North Clover street 
later occupied by William Davies, and now by the Sisters of Charity. 

191 



The Records ojChrist Church 

Miss Booth,^ with her pupils, sat in the gallery on 
the south side, the College HilP boys on the north 
side; the organ and choir were in the west gallery. 

"Mr. Abel Gunn was the only organist I ever knew 
in Poughkeepsie, and there was a very small organ 
with a man, or boy, to blow the bellows. The choir 
was a volunteer chorus. Mr. Van Vliet was the 
leader, and the only one in my day. The choir were 
curtained off, the curtains being drawn when they 
rose to sing. On special occasions the ladies remov- 
ed their hats, and appeared with wreaths of artificial 
flowers on their heads. One occasion was Christ- 
mas Eve, when the church was decorated with ever- 
greens and suitable Scriptural mottoes, and when 
there was extra singing of course. 'While Shepherds 
watched their Flocks by Night' was never omitted. 
I thought it all beautiful." 
Miss Shepherd's testimony regarding Mr. Wheaton's 
revival of the Sunday School can be supplemented by a 
petition of June 1st, 1843, which was sent to the vestry 
by a committee composed of James Emott, Jr., James H. 
Fonda and Theodore Trivett. The committee described 
the inadequate size of the lecture-room and its lack of 
light; there were only thirty -seven pews to accommodate 
one hundred and sixty pupils and twenty-eight teachers; 
beside whom there were the Rev. Mr. Jelliff, the super- 
intendent, a register and two librarians; the commit- 
tee stated that for six months the school had been in- 

1 Miss Lydia Booth; she was Principal of Cottage Hill Seminary, 
which was founded about 1836. 

2 A detachment of students from College Hill School (founded 
1836), now become Riverview Military Academy, has continued, since 
this early time, to attend Christ Church. 

102 



The Records ojChrist Church 

creasing so fast that only standing room was then left. 
Further, they felt that the vestry might be willing to do 
something to relieve the situation, inasmuch as, hitherto, 
the school had been not only self-supporting, but, by its 
contributions the previous winter, averaging five dollars 
a month, had helped clothe poor children in the parish. 

This petition of 1843 was without result then, and Mr. 
Wheaton utilized the galleries of the church as a solution 
of the difficulty. But, in 1848, the matter was taken up, 
and a chapel, or Sunday School room, was erected across 
the east end of the church. It was a brick building, with 
brown stone trimmings, and was about sixty feet north 
and south, by twenty-five east and west. Entrance was 
at the north end into a vestibule, at the right of which 
was a small vestry connecting with the church. A 
subscription in behalf of this building was circulated in 
September, 1848, and the following signatures obtained : 



Isaac I. Balding . . 


$ 10.00 


J.H.Fonda . . . 


$ 10.00 


Richard Bayley . . . 


10.00 


G. R. Gaylord . . . 


5.00 


Eliza Brewster . . . 


100.00 


Mr. Gillender . . . 


5.00 


Mr. Buttolph . . . . 


5.00 


William Hunt . . . 


5.00 


Mr. Campbell . . . 


2.50 


Mrs. Sarah James 


. 10.00 


Cooper & Hughson . 


10.00 


Mrs. E. NichoUs . . 


10.00 


Mrs. Culver . . . 


10.00 


R. North 


5.00 


William Davies . . 


400.00 


Charles H. Ruggles . 


30.00 


Thomas L. Davies . 


. 100.00 


Mr. Street .... 


5.00 


Wilham A. Davies 


100.00 


(J. R. ?) Stuyvesant . 


. 10.00 


Richard D. Davis 


30.00 


Dr. T. ( .? ) . . . 


10.00 


Mrs. Dickenson . . 


2.00 


EliasTrivett . . . 


. 10.00 


LeGrand Dodge . . 


5.00 


Samuel M. Valentine 


10.00 


Samuel B. Dutton 


2.00 


George M. Van Kleeck 


5.00 


James Emott, Jr. . . 


. 25.00 


Hubert Van Wagenen 

. 1 • 1 •! T • 


. 100.00 

1 't r\r\r\ 



The Sunday School met in this building until 1888, 
when the property on Market street was sold. 
No written records of the school have been discovered, 

193 



The Records ojChrist Church 

and we are dependent upon the personal recollections of 
the older members of the congregation for any knowledge 
of it. Mr. Benjamin C. Van Vliet is the earliest super- 
intendent remembered. Beside him, are mentioned the 
Rev. Hiram Jelliff, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Daniel, James 
Emott, Jr., and Robert Palmer. As nearly as can be 
determined. Dr. Buel acted as superintendent through 
the greater part of his rectorate (1847-1866), as did Dr. 
Cady also (1866-1874)-. Dr. Cady directed the educa- 
tional and catechetical work of the school, assisted by 
laymen who bore the title of superintendent, but whose 
duties were those of a secretary. The succession of 
superintendents in his time was: Mr. Benjamin R. 
Tenney and Mr. Joseph G. Frost, who, each, served a 
year or two, and then Mr. George M. Van Kleeck. The 
latter filled a long term (1870-1883?), outlasting Dr. 
Cady's incumbency, and was followed by his son, Mr. 
Robert Van Kleeck, after whose resignation, in 1892, 
Mr. John K. Sague was for fifteen years the faithful and 
interested superintendent. At present, the Rector of the 
parish has the oversight of the school. 

The lives of George M. Van Kleeck and his son, 
Robert, exhibit a striking similarity in their relation to 
the Church. Each was a communicant from early man- 
hood; a teacher in the Sunday School a^d superintend- 
ent; each a vestryman and secretary to the vestry; the 
father was also for twenty-three years a warden, and his 
son the treasurer of the Corporation. At the death of 
Mr. George M. Van Kleeck in 1883, the vestry recorded 
their appreciation of the manner in which, "unobtru- 
sively, quietly, earnestly, he has served the parish as 
vestryman and warden for more than thirty years, with 
a diligence and devotion that have made him dear to all." 

194 



T.r' .Win .t:tttma8 ,wdii aoT 



J 



THE REV. SAMUEL BUEL, S.T.D. 

Rector of Christ Church, 1847-1866 

From a photograph taken in 1864 



The Records ojChrist Church 

These words fitly describe the qualities of both men, than 
whom Christ Church has had no more unselfish, loyal 
members. The Te Deum window in the north transept 
of the present church is a memorial to George M. Van 
Kleeck and his brother, Edgar, and in the south transept 
a window has been put in, in memory of Robert Van 
Kleeck. 

Following the addition of the Sunday School room, 
miscellaneous improvements to the church edifice were 
its lighting by gas in 1851, the frescoing of the walls and 
alteration of the pews in 1854, changes in the heating 
arrangements in 1857, the reseating, painting and 
graining of the galleries in 1867, and, in 1873, the purchase 
of a new bell. It will be remembered that the first bell 
owned by the Church was bought in 1790. In 1837 that 
was replaced by one weighing 1001 pounds, and costing 
$363.24, which was obtained from Holbrook and Ware, 
of Medway, Mass. This second bell cracked in 1873, 
and another was procured from Meneely and Kimberly, 
of Troy, New York, which weighed 1215 pounds, and for 
which was paid the old bell and $279 . 86 in cash. This 
third and last bell was first rung at Easter, 1873, and was 
sold when the new church was opened, since when a bell 
has not been used. 

The most significant step taken, however, was the 
radical change that was made in the chancel, a change 
which directly reflected the general drift of the thought 
of that day. The screen was taken down, the dove put 
upon the organ in the west gallery, a window was cut in 
the east wall, the high pulpit vanished, and the Commu- 
nion Table was set back as an Altar beneath the new 
stained glass window. A new oak pulpit was put in 
(which remained in use until Easter, 1906) and placed on 

195 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

the south side of the chancel, the reading-desk being on 
the north side. 

For a number of years two mahogany chairs had stood 
inside the chancel-rail, on either side of the high pulpit. 
In their place, Mrs. Thomas L. Davies now gave two 
large oak arm chairs, carved in ecclesiastical design, and 
upholstered in red velvet, which were only superseded in 
1906, when one of them was presented to St. Paul's 
Church, Pleasant Valley, and the other, with the oak 
pulpit, to St. James's, Dover Plain^, New York. 

By tradition, the old mahogany chairs were the gift 
either of Dr. Reed or of Mr. Wilham Davies. They 
belong in design to the Chippendale period, and follow, 
in the detail of their carving (an urn in the center of the 
back), a model which was introduced by cabinetmakers 
at Hartford, Connecticut, in the last quarter of the eight- 
eenth century. They are primarily parlor chairs, and 
are supposed to have been taken from the house of Dr. 
Reed or of Mr. Davies to the church; in which case 
they are probably much older than their age as parish 
property. When displaced by the new oak chairs they 
fell upon evil times, were crudely painted by some vandal, 
and given hard usage in the Sunday School room until 
rescued and restored by Dr. Ziegenfuss. For some years 
they were again in the chancel, but, about 1904, they 
were invalided to the study, where, once more done over, 
they have now renewed their youth. 

The Rev. Dr. Samuel Buel became Rector of Christ 
Church, September 15th, 1847, and the rearrangement of 
the chancel was effected in the summer of 1854 under his 
direction. It was not accomphshed without doubts and 
misgivings on the part of some as to the wisdom of the 
action. One vestryman, in favor of the new position of 

196 



INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH ERECTED IN 1834 
From a photograph taken in 1886 



The Records ofChrist Church 

the Holy Table, saw another (who was a pronounced 
Low Churchman) with his hands upon his knees, bending 
and turning to find whether there was a space between 
the wall and the Table which would preserve its character 
as a Table, and prevent its being regarded as an Altar. 
A properly designed oak bracket, which Dr. Buel had 
had made and put in place as a credence-table, the vestry 
by formal resolution, ordered removed, and no credence- 
table was used in the parish until 1888, when the present 
church was built. 

Very shortly after the chancel was changed in 1854, 
Dr. Buel departed from the custom of his predecessors of 
removing his surplice before the sermon and preaching 
in a black gown. The gown is essentially an academic 
robe, the wearer of which may, or may not, bean 
ecclesiastic as well, and the old idea of the Episcopal 
ministry in wearing it in the pulpit was to emphasize 
their teaching function, as distinct from the priestly, or 
sacramental, side of their office. As a general custom 
its use was abandoned in the Episcopal Church about 
1865-1870,1 and Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, was there- 
fore one of the earliest parishes to adopt the use of the 
surplice in the pulpit. Dr. Buel made the change about 
1856, up to which year the Hon. James Emott, 2d, was a 
member of the parish, and Judge Emott is known to have 
objected to the innovation. The surplice is an ancient 
ecclesiastical vestment, and had always been used in the 

1 Correspondence, 1910; testimony of the Rev. Dr. W. J. Sea- 
bury of the General Theological Seminary; in 1866 Dr. Seabury 
became Assistant to his father, the Rector of the Church of the 
Annunciation, New York City; the Aimunciation was considered one of 
the most "advanced" parishes in New York, and in it the surpUce was 
first used during the sermon in 1864. 

197 



The Records ojChrist Church 

American Church for all parts of the service except the 
sermon; in early years in this country it was very full and 
long, and cut open down the front to allow the passage of 
the enormous wigs of the wearers. After wigs were no 
longer to be considered, and the influence of the Oxford 
Movement was felt, the front was made whole and 
sacred emblems began to be embroidered on the breast. 
Its use throughout the whole service was part of the 
stress then being laid upon the sacraments, and upon the 
Apostolic Orders of the ministry. 

In 1850, a record of sundry disbursements in Christ 
Church contains the entry "Stoles for Surplices," but 
this may not refer to what we now know as a stole. A 
straight, unshaped and unfringed strip, called a scarf, 
was early part of the academic vesture, and went with 
the gown, as did the bands; it was so used in the Ameri- 
can Church, and sometimes incorrectly referred to as a 
stole. But the stole, proper, is a shaped piece, narrower 
in the center and wider at the ends, and fringed, which 
was worn by the clergy at the celebration of the Commu- 
nion in the primitive days of the Christian Church, and to 
which, later, came to be attached the symbolic meaning 
of "the yoke of Christ.'" Its use lapsed in England in 
the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and so, 
naturally, it was at first disregarded in this country. 
Its restoration followed in the wake of the Oxford 
Movement, and is but another instance of the changes 
which took place in the Episcopal Church at the time, 
when many of the now familiar details of its administra- 
tion were new in America (though old in history), and 
when its services acquired a warmth and beauty they 

1 The Ritual Reason Why, p. 21; (Charles Walker, London, 
1866). 

198 



The Records of Christ Church 

before had lacked. Whether Dr. Buel wore a scarf or a 
stole is not known, but Dr. Cady, his successor, began to 
wear a stole in 1860, and continued to do so after coming 
to Poughkeepsie in 1866. From Dr. Cady's incumbency 
is to be dated the weekly celebration of the Holy Com- 
munion in Christ Church. He began such services in 
Lent, 1867, knowing, when he did so, that, outside of 
New York City, not another parish along the waters of 
the Hudson had instituted the custom. Dr. Cady im- 
ported from England, for use in Christ Church, sheer and 
delicate chalice veils, trimmed with lace, and embroidered 
by the Sisters, and he conducted the service in careful 
accordance with the Prayer Book. In order to conform 
to the rubric that prescribes the point at which the un- 
consecrated elements are to be placed upon the Altar, 
Dr. Cady used the deep ledge of the window in the 
east wall in lieu of a credence-table, in which custom Dr. 
Ziegenfuss followed him. 

Only second in importance to the alteration of the 
chancel, was the development of the music in Christ 
Church between 1860 and 1870. In the Appendix will 
be found data showing in detail the evolution of the 
colonial office of parish clerk into that of the modern 
choirmaster. The charter in 1773 conferred upon the 
Rector of the parish power to appoint "a Clerk to assist 
him in performing divine service," and from 1773 to 
about 1800 the function of the clerk was to lead the 
congregation in the responses. By 1802 it would seem 
that chanting had begun, for the clerk of that day, 
Joseph Parker, was paid for "tuning the Psalm," and, in 
1804, his successor, Mr. Knapp, is spoken of as "singing 
in the church." The title of chorister is first found 
in 1805, and, from that time, the old duties of the clerk 

199 



The Records of Chr i s t Church 

merged imperceptibly with those of the new office which 
was in process of creation. 

The introduction of chanting or singing occasioned, 
without doubt, the purchase which was made of an organ 
in 1808, and that, in turn, was followed by the establish- 
ment of a singing-school, in which the younger members 
of the congregation were given instruction to fit them to 
belong to a volunteer choir. Led by a chorister, this 
volunteer choir, often very numerous, but its proficiency 
varying in degree, continued until 1865, in which year 
paid singers were added to it. A few years later a paid 
quartet, without a chorus, was instituted, and maintained 
until the new church was built in 1888, with the excep- 
tion of a short interval (1877-1880) when, from motives 
of economy, the vestry voted to return to a volunteer 
chorus. 

The custom in Christ Church of holding a special 
service on Christmas Eve goes back to a very early 
date. The service is described as having been considered 
by all Poughkeepsie one of the great events of the year, 
and the church was always filled to its capacity. Indeed, 
this very popularity is assigned as the cause of the dis- 
continuation of it in the sixties, when the crowd became 
so great that there was no room left for the members of 
the regular congregation, and the interest and support of 
the latter thus declined. 

The Christmas Eve service is associated with the 
history of music in the parish because the music was 
always made a conspicuous feature of the occasion, and 
the testimony of Mr. Ruggles and of Miss Shepherd has 
shown how the old hymn, "While Shepherds watched 
their Flocks by Night," was sung annually for so long 
that it was synonymous, for them, with all that made the 

200 



The Records ojChrist Church 

evening memorable. The use of greens to decorate the 
church at Christmas is referred to in 1790,^ and several 
elderly people have told the writer of the impression 
made upon them by the contrast in color between the 
Christmas greens upon the screen behind the pulpit (in 
the second church, 1834-1854) and the rich crimson of 
the large pulpit cushion and the desk-hangings. 

The observance of Christmas in Poughkeepsie was 
confined to the Episcopal Church until comparatively 
recent years, when some entertainment began to be 
provided for the Sunday Schools near the 25th of Decem- 
ber, but Christmas Day, itself, is not, even yet, marked 
by all Churches with services. Christmas trees for the 
Sunday School were first used in America^ by Dr. 
Muhlenberg, who founded the Church of the Holy 
Communion, New York City, was its Rector 1846-1877, 
and inspired its then unique forms of work. Easter 
flowers in the chancel were introduced by Dr. Muhlen- 
berg, and his vested choir of men and boys led the way 
for many others in this country. 

It would be impossible, here, to follow the absorbingly 
interesting record of Dr. Muhlenberg's life-work, but the 
thread of connection between it and our own parochial 
history is that he did much to encourage the intelligent 
development of Church music, which began in the middle 
of the nineteenth century, when the hymnody of the 
Church was enlarged and enriched, and the settings for 
hymns and chants and anthems improved in quality. 
To this movement this parish was responsive, and its 
own interest was augmented by that of the pupils and 
teachers of Cottage Hill Seminary, many of whom 

1 See above, p 97. 

2 Tiffany's History of the Protestant Episcopal Church, p. 485. 

201 



The Records ofChrist Church 

belonged to the choir, and by whom Church music was 
studied. Among the hymns then new was Faber's 
"Hark, Hark, my soul, angelic songs are swelling," 
and one who heard it first in the old church, rendered by 
the pure, fresh voices of the Cottage Hill girls, retains 
still the force of the impression made by it. This school 
also introduced here in 1870^ "Rejoice, ye pure in heart," 
which was written in 1865 by Dean Plumptre for the 
choir festival of Peterborough Cathedral. These two 
hymns were included in the 1868 edition'^ of Hymns 
Ancient and Modern, a collection published in England 
in 1861, which at once was popular on this side of the 
water, and which prepared the way for our own Hymnal, 
that, in 1871, was put forth by the General Convention, 
and bound separately from the Prayer Book. 

The change in Christ Church from a chorus choir to a 
quartet was preceded by the purchase, in 1862, of a new 
organ, the fourth the parish had bought. The first it 
owned was installed in 1808, as has been seen; the second 
was bought in 1821 of Thomas Hall of New York; the 
third in 1837 from Holbrook and Ware, of Med way, 
Massachusetts (the price paid for it being $1,500.00); 
and the fourth from Jardine and Son, of New York, at a 
cost of $1,300.00 in cash, and the old organ, which was 
valued at $500.00. A subscription was circulated to 
raise money for the fourth organ, and $3,063.00 was 
collected for that, and for the attendant expenses; the 
latter were heavy, as the new instrument was placed in 
the southeast corner of the church, instead of in the 
west gallery, and the change of location necessitated 

1 The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, June 17th, 1870. 

2 Dictionary of Hymnology, edited by John JuHan, Vicar of 
Wincobank, Sheffield, pp. 486, 897. 

202 



The Records oj Christ Church 

extensive work by masons and carpenters. The names 
of the contributors to the organ fund of 1862 afford an 
excellent idea of the supporting membership of the parish 
then: 

A. Joseph E. Allen. 

B. Mrs. Susan Ball; the Hon. Joseph F. Barnard; Mrs. Ed- 
ward Bech; James Blanchard; Stephen M. Buckingham. 

C. S. Cleveland; Ulysses Cole; George Cornwell; Thomas 
Coster; Mrs. Charles Crooke. 

D. Mrs. Alice Da vies; John W. Davies; Thomas L. Da vies; 
Mrs. Thomas L. Davies; William A. Davies; Le Grand 
Dodge; Mrs. Le Grand Dodge; J. De Puyster Douw. 

E. Joseph East; the Hon. E. Q. Eldridge; Mrs. E. Q. El- 
dridge. 

G. George R. Gaylord; WUham Gibson. 

H. Mrs. John W. Hammersley; Mrs. Elizabeth Hart; Mrs. 

Harvey; Mrs. Hillis; Barney Hinckley; Mrs. Barney 

Hinckley; Mrs. James Hooker; Mrs. Hulme. 
J. Beekman James; Richard James. 
K. Mrs. Ahce Knill. 
M. Mary Mitchell; Sarah Mitchell. 

N. Thomas Newbold; Miss Louisa Nichols; Reuben North. 
P. Dr. Edward H. Parker; Miss Lydia I. Phinney; Isaac I. 

Piatt. 
R. Mrs. Sarah Robinson; Mrs. Rowe. 
S. Mrs. Leonard Sackett; Mrs. Stan wis. 
T. Mrs. Charlotte Taylor; Benjamin R. Tenney. 
V. Edgar M. Van Kleeck; George M. Van Kleeck; Sarah 

Van Kleeck; Mrs. Van Vliet; Mrs. Van Wagenen. 
W. Mrs. Worrall. 

The writer is indebted to Miss Helen J. Andrus for a 
knowledge of the relation of Christ Church to the devel- 
opment of music in Poughkeepsie in the first half of the 
nineteenth century. Miss Andrus has in preparation a 
history of music in this city, and from her it is learned 

203 



The Records oj Christ Church 

that the recorded musical annals of the place begin with 
the first organ, organist and choristers of this parish. 
Following the customs inherited from the mother Church 
of England, Christ Church gave encouragement to the 
musical portion of its services very early, as compared 
with its immediate ecclesiastical neighbors. There re- 
mained among the latter vestiges of a racial and political 
prejudice against all things English, and from this fact 
it resulted that, for many years, "the English Church" 
stood alone in the possession of an organ and in the effort 
to promote the artistic side of worship. 

So far as can be determined, in the absence of positive 
documentary evidence, the only organist in Christ 
Church, from about 1809 until 1862, was Abel Gunn, a 
picturesque character, who began his career as a youth- 
ful genius, and ended it as a local institution. His term 
of office was such an unprecedentedly long one that, to 
judge from an anecdote, describing the manner of its 
ending, he came to regard himself as all powerful in his 
particular sphere. An inimitable story teller, who has 
but just gone from us, sang in her youth in the volunteer 
choir, and she used to relate that, from the time of the 
arrival of Dr. Buel, as Rector, there was friction between 
him and Mr. Gunn. The friction waxed, until, finally, 
one Sunday, it culminated. The choir, having finished 
the anthem that preceded the sermon, the Rector rose 
to give out his text, supposing the organ also to have 
stopped; but, as the choir knew, the music had not 
entirely died away, and, as Dr. Buel mounted the pulpit, 
it burst forth again; he retired and waited until, a 
second time, it faded, when again he rose; but again the 
organ swelled and rolled. "Three times the music 
dwindled down; three times the Rector rose; three 

204 



TheiRecords of Christ Church 

times he had to wait for this voluntary to cease; and 
then," (so the story ran), "Abel had to go!" 

While the manner in which the organist's irritation 
was expressed was not endorsed by his contemporaries, 
it was regarded with secret amusement and sympathy, 
for the irritation, itself, was well understood. An 
account of Dr. Buel's administration would fail in truth- 
ful completeness if it ignored the fact that that excellent 
man was not temperamentally qualified for success in the 
pastoral relation. With all his learning and his 
recognized integrity of purpose and earnest application 
to duty, which, severally, commanded for him respect 
and confidence. Dr. Buel provoked explosions from 
otherwise perfectly peaceable parishioners, and this 
solely because of his peculiarities of manner and lack of 
penetration and adaptability in personal contact with 
people. No questions of principle were ever involved, 
and these encounters are now so long gone by that their 
heat has passed; they can be seen in the light of that 
tolerance for all, which is gained by the student of 
human nature from observation of the inter-play of 
marked personalities. 

The withdrawal of James Emott, Jr., from Christ 
Church in 1856^ grew out of his and the Rector's in- 
compatibility, the climax of which is said to have been 
reached when Dr. Buel preached a sermon that was not 
suflSciently opposed to slavery for such an Abolitionist 
as the second Judge Emott. So brilliant a man as he 
is an honor to any parish, and that which was our loss 
was the gain of St. Paul's. Dr. Buel's views, before war 
actually began, were, possibly, colored a little by his 
family ties; his wife was a Southern woman, and her 
1 Dr. Buel's communicant list, Parish Register, Vol. 2, p. 438. 

20,5 



The Records of Christ Church 

brother, Richard Hooker Wilmer, who was made 
Bishop of Alabama in 1862, was one of the leaders in that 
"Church in the Confederacy" which had so brief an 
existence. 

Another removal to St. Paul's, due to some minor 
instance of displeasure, was that of Isaac Piatt, the 
veteran editor of The Poughkeepsie Eagle, who was 
baptized in his early manhood by Dr. Reed, and was a 
faithful communicant of the Episcopal Church all his 
life, first in this parish, and, in his late years, in St. Paul's. 

But, if a few losses, much regretted, did befall, there 
were accessions made that have been elements of strength 
for over three score years. 

One of the fruits of Mr. Wheaton's ministry has been 
the life in this parish of her whom he brought to baptism 
and confirmation when she was a girl of fourteen. The 
granddaughter of a pre-Revolutionary parishioner, the 
great-niece of the donor of the site for the first church 
building, Harriet Kelsey Sague became a communicant 
in Christ Church in 1844, and, in all the sixty-six years 
that have followed, has been unsparing of herself for 
the promotion of its welfare. Forty years of district 
visiting and the relief of necessity, the rearing of sons 
and daughters loyal to the Church— one son now a 
warden of the parish,— and the exercise of a strong moral 
influence in the community in reform work, is a record 
to be held by Christ Church in gratitude and respect. 

In January, 1853, our late senior warden, George 
Cornwell, was confirmed, and for fifty-seven years was 
actively associated with the Church; for fifty years he 
was a member of the vestry, for eighteen its secretary, 
and for eleven treasurer of the Corporation. Mr. 
Cornwell's identification with Christ Church was not 

206 



The Records oj Christ Church 

merely a matter of time and of office holding; it was 
marked by constancy and devotion, and by generosity 
and unflagging interest. He it was who treasured in his 
memory anecdotes of former days, who kept written and 
printed memorabilia of the current events of his long 
experience, and who was a storehouse of information 
regarding the parish for the whole period in which he 
was connected with it. His sudden and tragic death, by 
accident, occurred just at the close of his fiftieth year in 
the vestry, when he was still strong and well and young 
at heart. Thus his cheerfulness and love of life, his 
humor and his kindliness escaped the usual processes 
of age, and the genial quality, with which, in our memory, 
he is permanently invested, fills our thought of him with 
pleasure, while it made parting from him pain. For the 
Church, in losing him, we can only wish that the present 
generation may give to it examples of such faithfulness 
as his has been. 

Le Grand Dodge, baptized and confirmed in 1846, 
when Mr. Wheaton was Rector, was one whose name is 
held in esteem in Christ Church. Mr. Dodge was a 
staunch Churchman, a conservative lawyer and a man 
of deep and loyal affections. He was a vestryman from 
1854 to 1879, and warden 1880-1891. Always a liberal 
contributor to the support of the parish, his gift of the 
Altar-rail, when the present church was built, is par- 
ticularly associated with him today, while his memory 
is still further perpetuated by a carved and jewelled 
chalice, presented in 1905 by his grandchildren, the Rev. 
George Blackburn Kinkead, 3d, and Miss Cornelia 
Dodge Kinkead. 

In 1858 Dr. Edward Hazen Parker came to Poughkeep- 
sie to practise his profession; he at once entered Christ 

207 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Church, where, in 1860, he was elected to the vestry. 
He served continuously for thirty-six years, including 
his term as warden from 1884 to 1896. Dr. Parker 
exemplified a fine type of manhood, combining with a 
practical skill as physician and surgeon and a literary 
power of no mean degree a refinement of feeling and a 
spiritual insight which graced and distinguished him. 
As a memorial to him and to his wife, Sarah Olcott 
Parker, their two daughters, Miss Helen Choate Parker, 
and the late Mrs. Charles M. Niles, gave in 1897 a silver 
chalice and paten for the early celebration of the Holy 
Communion. 

John Grubb, that sterling Scotchman (who, in 1844, 
came to "the English Church" for one of its daughters, 
and remained in it a long and loyal Hfetime); Hubert 
Van Wagenen, retired New York merchant; Eeuben 
North, vestryman and treasurer of the Corporation; 
Edward K. James, gentleman of leisure of English 
paternity; Charles Crooke, whose father and grandfather 
before him were members of the parish; Isaac I. Balding, 
Benjamin R. Tenney, J. De Puyster Douw, these, all, 
were among the many men who came into prominence in 
Mr. Wheaton's and Dr. Buel's rectorates. An idea of 
the personnel of the congregation in Dr. Cady's day is 
gained from a pew chart^ of 1870. The chart records 
the aggregate annual rental, at that time, as $5,199.50 
and gives the names of the holders of the pews as follows: 

A. Simon C, Abel; Joseph E. Allen; Miss Mary Allen. 

B. Stephen Baker; Albert Ball; the Hon. Joseph F. Barnard; 
Miss Margaret Barnard; Miss Barrett; Guy C. Bayley; 
Edward Bech; Andrew Boardman; James Blanchard; 
Thomas C. Bradbury; Mrs. P. S. Burchan; Stephen M. 
Buckingham. 

1 Ledger E, pp. 356-7. 

208 



The Records ojChrist Church 

C. Jacob B. Carpenter; William Carpenter; Norris M. 
Carter, M.D.; the Rev. Charles N. Chandler; Joseph 
Corlies; George Cornwell; Miss Belle Cornwell. 

D. Thomas L. Davies; Wilham A. Davies; John W. Davies; 
Le Grand Dodge; Joseph C. Doughty;, J. De Puyster 
Douw; Samuel B. Dutton. 

E. James East; Joseph East; the Hon. E. Q. Eldridge. 

F. Alcander Fox ; Mrs. Mary A. French. 

G. George R. Gay lord; William Gibson; William M. 
Goodrich; John Grubb. 

H. William W. Hageman; John F. Halstead; Andrew J. 
Hanscom; Benjamin Hall Hart; Miss Hatch; Mrs. 
Harvey; Oliver H. Henderson; Barney Hinckley; Mrs. 
James Hooker; Charles L. Houghton; Miss Julia 
Hughson; Mrs. Mary C. Hulme. 

I. Henry Irving. 

K. JohnKimlin; William Kimlin; Mrs. Andrew King. 

L. Miss Pauline Lalouette. 

M. Mrs. Edwin Mabbett; Mrs. Malcomb; Miss Mary T. 
Merritt; Mrs. Morgan. 

N. The Hon. Homer A. Nelson; Mrs. Sophia P. Newcomb; 
Mrs. North; Reuben North. 

P. Mrs. Maria Palmer; Edward H. Parker, M.D.; Thomas 
Parker; Col. G. W. Patten; Miss Lydia Phinney; Per 
Lee Pine, M.D. ; Mrs. Potter. 

R. The Rev. George T. Rider; Mrs. John D. Robinson. 

S. Leonard B. Sackett; Horace Sague; Frederick Salisbury; 
George F. Searle; Edward Storm; Mrs. John R. Stuyves- 
ant. 

T. Mrs. Tanner; Hudson Taylor; Robert E. Taylor; Benja- 
min R.Tenney; the Rev. William B. Thomas; Miss Sarah 
Thomas; Miss Elizabeth Thomas; John M. Toucey; 
George B. Trowbridge. 

V. Edgar Van Kleeck; George M. Van Kleeck; Theodore 
VanKleeck; Elizabeth Van Kleeck ; Isaac B. Van Vliet; 
John R. Van VUet; John Van Wagenen; Miss Elizabeth 
Van Wagenen. 

209 



The Records ofChrist Church 

W. The Hon Charles Wheaton; Robert S. WilUams; Archi- 
bald WUson; Mrs. Woodin; Frederick Woodruff; Benja- 
min Worrall; the Rev. Dr. D. Grosvenor Wright. 

About the parish, all through the period we are con- 
sidering, there was an alluring, elusive, Anglican atmos- 
phere, and it was quite in keeping with this that, from 
1842 to 1876, there should have been three English 
sextons. Thomas Eastmead, Samuel Keynton and 
William Gibson were all born in England, and they give 
an added bit of color to our mental picture of their time. 

"Billy Gibson" was one of the quaint "characters" of 
old Poughkeepsie, and there are many who can call to 
mind a vision of his flowing whiskers, high, pointed 
shoulders and peculiar gait, his pet Yorkshire terrier 
always close at heel. Beside his position as sexton, he 
was for many years collector of pew rents in Christ 
Church, and was also the distributor of tickets for the 
Poughkeepsie Lyceum; that course of lectures was one 
of the literary and social features of its time, and largely 
attended, and, by these two means, he was known to 
every one in the Church and in the town. A black- 
smith by trade, and his education that of experience 
only, his large hearted good nature, intelligence and 
innate worth won him general liking and respect. One 
of the windows in the north aisle of the present church 
was his gift, and since his death his own name has been 
inscribed upon it. 

1; Until the new church was opened in 1888 it had not 
been the custom to engage a man's whole time as sexton, 
and the sextons usually had other interests as well, 
which necessitated the occasional employment of extra 
helpers. In connection with one such supernumerary, 
Dr. Parker's appreciation of things spiritual, caught up 

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and enshrined in verse an incident which, as part of the 
religious life in the old church, is here recorded. The 
subject of the lines had not had an exemplary career, 
but, in the dusk of a winter afternoon, one, who un- 
expectedly entered the Sunday School room, found him 
kneeling at a prie-dieu qn the platform in devout and 
audible supplication. 

The Old Sexton 

Service is o'er the people gone. 
The aged Sexton is ilone: — 
The evening shades are growing deep. 
And day is passing to its sleep. 

The solemn hush the Sexton feels. 
Before the Altar slowly kneels; 
And to his God pours out his prayer, 
Alone, and where no listeners are. 

"Hear me, O Lord! Thy servant hear. 
My days are gone, my end is near. 
Old and forlorn I turn to Thee, 
O! let me still Thy mercy see. 

"My sins are many; O! forgive; 
Nearer to Thee teach me to live; 
Teach me to love, teach me to praise. 
And Thine be my remaining days." 

The shades have deepened, night has come. 
Weary, the Sexton seeks his home. 
But in his heart there burns a hght. 
That turns to day the darkest night! 

Of three special occasions, two in Dr. Buel's rectorate, 
one in Dr. Cady's, mention should be made. 

The first was the raising of a flag on the tower of the 
church, at the opening of the Civil War, soon after the 

. 211 



The Records oj Christ Church 

news was received that Fort Sumter had been fired 
upon. That the congregation of Christ Church was 
enthusiastic in its support of the Union is illustrated 
by the fact that they were the first Church in Pough- 
keepsie to fly a flag from their church building; the 
formal flag raising took place on May 3d, 1861, and 
was followed on May 8th, 12th and 18th by similar 
ceremonies at the First Methodist, Presbyterian, First 
Dutch and St. Peter's (Roman Catholic) churches, 
The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle reporting all these events 
in full. The flag and pole for Christ Church were 
purchased by subscription (the money for them being 
collected by Samuel Keynton in less than an hour), 
and the pole was erected on the tower by Horace 
Sague, John W. Davies and William Gibson. On the 
day following the ceremony the first Poughkeepsie 
company of Volunteers (Company E of the 30th New 
York, Captain Holliday commanding) left town, and it 
was they who are referred to in the following account 
published in the Eagle May 4th, 1861: 

Flag Raising. — Yesterday afternoon about 3 o'clock a 
large number of citizens assembled in front of Christ Church 
in Market street to witness the raising of a large and splendid 
flag on the new flagstaff erected on the tower of the church. 

The ceremony was commenced by the singing of the 
National Hymn of America by the choir, after which Judge 
Emott was invited to address the audience on the raising 
of the flag, which duty he performed in an eloquent manner, 
the choir then sang the song of the Red, White and Blue, 
and the Rev. Samuel Buel, the Rector of the Church, made 
a heart stirring address. 

The flag was then run up, as the Volunteer company 
arrived on the ground, and amid the hearty cheers of the 
audience. 

The choir then sang the Star Spangled Banner, at the 
conclusion of which Mr. Benson J. Lossing made some well 

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timed remarks to the Volunteers, who, at the end of his 
address gave three hearty cheers and a tiger, when the 
assembly dispersed. 

At the close of the war, on April 19th, 1865, a few 
days after President Lincoln's death, a memorial service 
was held for the martyred President, when the church was 
draped in black and a funeral oration^ was delivered by 
Dr. Buel. The day was generally observed in Pough- 
keepsie as one of mourning, business was suspended, and 
bells tolled, and there was a procession. 

On December 21st, 1866, shortly after Dr. Cady came 
to Christ Church, the centennial was celebrated of the 
first preaching service of the Rev. John Beardsley as 
Rector of this parish. Morning Prayer, sermon by 
Bishop Horatio Potter, and the Holy Communion, were 
followed by a collation at Pine Hall (the building recent- 
ly vacated by the Y. M. C. A.). The newspaper account^ 
of this occasion says that there was a large attendance 
of clergy and laity, that the chancel was elaborately 
decorated with flowers and evergreens, and that the 
opening hymn was "Jerusalem the Golden," but it fails 
to report in full Bishop Potter's historical sermon re- 
garding the Episcopal Church in Dutchess County. 
This is cause for regret, for, of the early days of Christ 
Church, Bishop Horatio Potter was particularly well 
equipped to speak, and his centennial address probably 
contained local color we should now value. 

The Corporation conducted its business affairs without 
a definite policy all through this period, and the need of 
the moment governed each action taken. One of the 
first matters that pressed for attention was the necessity 

1 The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, April 19th, I860. 

2 The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, December 22nd, 1866. 

213 



The Records ofChrist Church 

to provide a house for the Rector. After Dr. Reed's 
second marriage in 1834, the Academy street parsonage 
had been rented; Mr. Wheaton lived in the frame house 
now No. 219 Church street (the property adjoining the 
rear of the Cannon street lot of the Y. W. C. A.), and also 
boarded at the Rutzer House. When Dr. Buel first 
came to Poughkeepsie he occupied the house now No. 62 
Washington street, but, on May 1st, 1852, the parsonage 
at Academy and Cannon streets was sold for $1,800.00, 
and December 8th, 1852, the vestry voted to build a 
rectory, the cost of which should not exceed $3,600.00. 
Of this amount $2,000.00 was raised by subscription^ and 
the balance made up from the proceeds of the sale of the 
Academy street house. The site selected was on the 
Church property, east of the burying-ground, all the land 
east of the present Carroll street, that was acquired by 
the Church in 1828, having been considered unsuited 
to burial purposes and remaining unimproved for many 
years. Lots were sold^ from this tract in 1854, 1873, 
1877 and 1880, netting for the Church the sum of $6,466. 
00. 

In 1869 it was felt that the time was coming when the 
church edifice might have to be enlarged, and it was 
decided that the property adjoining it to the north 
should be purchased. In payment for the same there 
was given a mortgage for $8,000.00, partly on the house 
itself, and partly on the South Hamilton street rectory 
and the vacant lots near that. The house on Market 
street was never used, either for the purpose for which 
it had been bought, or for a rectory, and was rented 

1 Vestry Minutes, Vol. 2, p. 59. 

2 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds. Liber 100: p. 408; 
170: p. 596; 186: p. 314; 203: pp. 588, 195, 197. 

214 



THE RECTORY 

Erected 1853 Sold 1880 

Occupied by the Rev. Dr. Buel, the Rev. Dr. Cady 

aiid the Rev. Dr. Ziegenfuss 



The Records ofChrist Church 

while in the possession of the Church; it was sold in 1877 
for $6,000.00, the transaction entailing a loss to the 
Church of $2,000.00. 

Beside the mortgage placed upon the rectory and 
vacant lots in 1869, which was for $3,500.00, another, for 
the same amount, was added in 1873, to provide funds 
to meet accumulated debts and the assessments for open- 
ing and grading Carroll street, and laying water and sew- 
er pipes all about the burying-ground. April 17th, 1880, 
the Corporation sold the rectory to Mrs. P. Frost 
Spaulding for $5,000.00, and applied the money to the 
payment of all of the first mortgage and part of the 
second. After doing so, they were still in debt to the 
Savings Bank for $2,060.00,^ and to" meet this the vestry 
passed a resolution to sell the last lots on Carroll and 
Barclay streets held by the Corporation. This 1880 sale 
(before referred to) realized $3,816.50 from a public 
auction of the lots.^ 

The rectory that was built in 1853 was occupied by 
Dr. Buel for two-thirds of his rectorate, by Dr. Cady 
throughout his entire term of office, and by Dr. Ziegen- 
fuss for a few years. 

In connection with the incumbency of Dr. Cady, it is 
an interesting coincidence that he, the tenth Rector of 
the parish, was named for his predecessor (Philander 
Chase) the fifth, who, as Bishop of Ohio, was an early 
friend of Dr. Cady's family. The tenth administration 
of the Rectorship of Christ Church was terminated by 
Dr. Cady's breakdown in health, and his resignation 
was received with deep and sincere regret. His scholar- 
ship had adorned the pulpit, his Churchmanship had had 

1 Vestry Minutes, Vol. 2, p. 154. 

2 Vestry Minutes, Vol. 2, p. 156. 

215 



The Records oj Christ Church 

a centralizing, constructive influence, and his culture 
and charm of manner had made him a delight to a con- 
gregation that was united in its allegiance to him, and 
the members of which have ever spoken of him with 
praise. 

In closing this account of the conditions and events in 
Christ Church from 1845 to 1875, a summary should be 
added of the growth of the Church in Dutchess County 
during the same period. 

The organization of the Dutchess Convocation took 
place in 1848, the organizing clergy being the Rectors of 
St. James's, Hyde Park; Christ Church and St. Paul's, 
Poughkeepsie; Zion, Wappingers Falls; St. Peter's, 
Lithgow; and St. Anna's, Fishkill Landing (now St. 
Luke's, Matteawan). 

Convocation placed missionaries in the field, the first 
one being the Rev. Sheldon Davis, who labored for 
fifteen years with fidelity and success. Laymen were 
admitted as members of Convocation in 1856, and in 
1868 a Dean was appointed in place of the original 
Chairman, whose functions had been fulfilled by the 
Rector of the parish wherever the meetings of Convoca- 
tion chanced to be held. 

The work of the Rev. Sheldon Davis has particular 
point for Christ Church because, on Easter Day, 1850, 
he held the first service at Manchester Bridge to estab- 
lish a mission, and the Manchester Mission has, ever 
since, been made its special interest and charge by a 
family, which, from the rectorate of Dr. Reed, has 
belonged to Christ Church, and which is now repre- 
sented in the vestry by William Hall Hart. Descended 
from the Rev. Seth Hart, Rector of St. George's, Hemp- 
stead, its members inherited his devotion to the Protest- 

216 



Ha ."^HT 



THE REV. PHILANDER K. CADY, S.T.D. 

Rector of Christ Chtjbch, 1866-1875 
From a photograph taken during his incumbency 



The Records ojChrisi Church 

ant Episcopal Church, and have wrought unselfishly and 
untiringly for its extension and betterment. The Man- 
chester Mission, today self-supporting and maintaining 
weekly services, has had many friends, but its chiefest 
debt for unceasing care and earnest, prayerful effort is 
to that indefatigable missionary. Miss Mary Hart, 
whose strong faith and whose enthusiasm in the cause of 
the Master are to be counted among the spiritual 
blessings of Christ Church. 

Formal incorporation, or organization, of the following 
parishes took place between 1845 and 1875: 

1849, St. Thomas's, Amenia Union.i 

1852, Church of the Messiah, Rhinebeck.2 

1859, Church of the Holy Comforter, Poughkeepsie.^ 

1859, Church of the Regeneration, Pine Plains.^ 

(i860, St. Stephen's College, Annandale, chartered.) 
1864, Grace Church, Hart's Village (Millbrook).^ 
1867, Christ Church, Red Hook Village.* 



1 Dutchess County Clerk's records. Book of Incorporation of 
Churches, p. 177. 

2 Ibid., p. 194. 

3 Dutchess Coimty Clerk's records, Record of Ineorporations, 
Liber 1, serial number 55. 

4 Dutchess County Clerk's records, Book of Incorporation of 
Churches, p. 223. 

5 Ibid., p. 268. 

6 Ibid., p. 289. 

217 



CHAPTER VIII 

1875-1910 

ORIGIN OF THE BROAD CHURCHMEN. THE REV. DR. HENRY 
L. ZIEGENFUSS. CHRIST CHURCH BECOMES A BROAD 
CHURCH PARISH. CHANCEL FURNISHINGS. INTRODUC- 
TION OF ORGANIZED WORK. CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF 
PAROCHIAL ORGANIZATIONS. ERECTION OF THE THIRD 
CHURCH BUILDING. THE PARISH HOUSE. THE TOWER. 
DEATH OF DR. ZIEGENFUSS. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC 
CHANGES. RECTORATE OF DR. CUMMINS. MRS. CHARLES 
H. BUCKINGHAM'S GIFT. THE FUTURE AND THE NEED OF 
AN ENDOWMENT. 

IN 1875 the Rev. Henry L. Ziegenfuss was made 
Rector of Christ Church. When he first came to 
Poughkeepsie he was a young man of thirty, newly 
entered into the Episcopal Church, but, in the twenty 
years of his life here, he became one of the best known 
of the clergy of the Diocese of New York, honored and 
esteemed by his associates in the ministry, the close 
friend of the late Bishop of New York, the Rt. Rev. 
Henry C. Potter, and widely loved by the laity. 

During the incumbency of Dr. Ziegenfuss definite 
changes occurred in Christ Church, partly traceable to 
his influence, partly to general conditions in the Episco- 
pal Church at the time. 

The fundamental change was the transformation of 
this conservative, moderately High Church parish into 
one of Broad Church sympathies, and to Dr. Ziegenfuss 
this is directly attributable. He was possessed of 

218 



THE REV. HENRY L. ZIEGENFUSS, S.T.D. 

Minister in Charge of Christ Church, 1874-1875 

Rector, 1875-1894 

From a photograph taken about 1890 



The Records ofChrist Church 

scholarly tastes and abilities and was a natural student, 
which qualities brought him into touch, at the outset of 
his career, with certain forces which began to make 
themselves felt in the Church in the United States in the 
seventies, and which resulted in the appearance of those 
who are called Broad Churchmen. 

Two powerful streams of influence rising, the one on 
the Continent, the other in England, about the middle 
of the nineteenth century, and paralleling in course for 
a time, converged ultimately, and swirled their double 
current upon the Church, approximately 1870-1880. 
One was the work pursued in the German Universities, 
known as the Higher Criticism of the Bible, and the 
other the promulgation by Charles Darwin of the Doc- 
trine of Evolution. 

Acceptance of these new intellectual positions necessi- 
tated the giving up of the Puritan conception of the 
Bible, and of some of the doctrines in Christian theology 
which had become ingrained in the thought of the Church. 

After the Reformation, the Puritans had substituted 
for a belief in an infalhble Pope, a belief in an infallible 
Book, and had invested the King James Version of the 
Bible with a sacredness, which, to them, included the 
very punctuation and paragraphing; they forgot that 
the original scriptures had been written in other lan- 
guages, and not all at one time; that the Church had 
produced the Bible, not the Bible the Church; and their 
theory of inspiration was a purely mechanical one. 
When the German scholars applied to the study of these 
manuscripts the same laws which governed the study 
of other early literature, the Christian world was aghast. 

Dr. Ziegenfuss read and spoke German with ease and 
fluency, which gave him direct and early access to the 

219 



The Records ofChrist Church 

world of thought in the foreign Universities. He assimi- 
lated readily the teaching that the Bible is many books 
in one, that it combines all forms of literary expression 
of truth, — prophecy, history, poetry, drama, — and that 
the inspiration of God's Holy Spirit breathes throughout 
it, imparting the essence of spiritual truths, but often 
presenting those truths in ways which are not to be 
understood hterally. 

At the present time it is hackneyed to refer to the 
story of the Garden of Eden as a poetic and imaginative 
conception of the creation, and to the Book of Jonah as a 
drama, written to teach a moral lesion, but, when Dr. 
Ziegenfuss preached thus in the pulpit of Christ Church, 
the older members of the congregation were rigid with 
disapproval of such revolutionary ideas. "Older mem- 
bers" is said advisedly, for, to some of the juniors. Dr. 
Ziegenfuss opened the way to a faith and an understand- 
ing they had found impossible from the point of view of 
their forbears. 

Dr. Ziegenfuss's interest in science, his knowledge of 
chemistry and biology, also made him a convert to the 
theory of evolution, which is now, to many, a hand-maid 
to their Christian belief, but, when first discussed, caused 
consternation in the Church, affecting, as it did, doc- 
trines that were considered necessary to the very exist- 
ence of Christianity. 

Only as the smoke and dust of controversial battle 
settled, was it realized that religion and theology are not 
one; that religion is God in Man, ever present and 
indwelling, but that theology is only Man's limJted 
knowledge of God reduced to scientific terms, and that, 
as Truth is a jewel many faceted, and presenting different 
aspects from different angles, so, as Man's knowledge of 

220 



The Records ofChrist Church 

God, the Great Truth, grows, it changes with its growth, 
and its scientific terms of expression must also change. 

Gradually there appeared among Episcopalians a new 
type of Churchman, called Broad, the product of the 
intellectual forces that had been at work, and character- 
ized by a devotion to the spirit of Truth, as opposed to the 
bondage of its letter. Adopting the results of the Higher 
Criticism, and of the Doctrine of Evolution, the Broad 
Churchmen manifested tolerance in theological differ- 
ences, and tolerance toward the various bodies into which 
Christians have gathered themselves, recognizing among 
the latter the operation and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. 
A new passion for Humanity filled them, inspired by the 
evolutionary conception of Man, not as fallen and to be 
saved from future punishment, but as ever rising to 
greater good, and as having within him that spark of 
divinity which burst into full flame in Jesus Christ. 

A Broad Churchman therefore is a modern embodi- 
ment of the principle of religious liberty. He has been 
with us long enough for us to be able to observe his 
strength and his weakness, but not to prophecy his ulti- 
mate development. His weaknesses are the defects of 
his virtues; as, for example, his breadth of view in theolo- 
gy, which is primarily a charter of new life, but which, in 
its extreme, occasions an indefinite presentation of the 
great underlying beliefs and principles of the Church. 
As, also, his attitude toward the many Christian Com- 
munions of the Protestant world. His truly Christly 
spirit of good will and forbearance, which makes for 
kindly personal relations among all disciples of Jesus 
Christ, causes, in his own household of faith, a laxity 
toward its inherited ideals and standards, in which lurks 
a menace to sound growth in years to come. A laity 

221 



The Records of Christ Church 

uninstructed in, and somewhat indifferent to, the funda- 
mental differences which distinguish its nominal alleg- 
iance, is as the sand for a foundation for the future. 
The Episcopal Church today needs, not less toleration 
for its ecclesiastical brethren, but a better understanding 
of its own teachings, a deeper love and loyalty which 
will admit no substitute for it on the part of its average 
member, and a more earnest, consecrated effort to pro- 
mote its growth and spread its message. 

The change wrought in Christ Church by the passing 
of the old order, and the coming of the new, was a subtle 
one, and hardly observable until it was accomplished, 
so that in Dr. Ziegenfuss's lifetime it was less apparent 
than since his death; but none the less is it due to him 
that Christ Church is now accounted a Broad Church 
parish. 

Entirely objective, however, were two other changes 
effected by him, the first being that of the adornment of 
the chancel. He loved the beautiful, and, while he con- 
sidered the accessories to the services of the Church as 
non-essentials in themselves, he yet wished them as aids 
to worship, and as a recognition of that which is digni- 
fied and seemly in the House of God. 

In Dr. Buel's and Dr. Cady's rectorates there were 
red velvet hangings on the pulpit, desk and Altar 
the year round, but, in 1877, this old set was dyed black 
(for use on Good Friday and at funerals), and Dr. 
Parker's wife made and embroidered a new red, and the 
first purple set; about the same time a white set was 
given by Mrs. William A. Davies. Green hangings 
were not used until 1888, when the new church was 
built, and a set given by Mrs. Benjamin R. Tenney. 
Colored stoles, to match, were included in the several 

222 



THE CHANCEL 

Decorated for the last Easter in the Second Church 
AprU 21st, 1888 



The Records ofChrist Church 

sets of hangings at the time each of the latter were 
introduced. 

Prior to Dr. Ziegenfuss's coming, the Altar had stood 
against the east wall, with only a service-book lying upon 
it. In the recess of the chancel-window he caused to be 
placed a retable, bearing the words "Holy, Holy, Holy" 
on its face, and, above it, a reredos, consisting of three 
panels in the form of Gothic arches. At Easter, 1877, a 
brass Altar-cross and a pair of brass flower-vases were 
given; in October, 1877, Miss Charlotte Davies gave a 
brass Altar-desk; and at Easter, 1878, Mrs. John 
Thompson presented a brass alms -basin in memory of 
her father, James Bailey, of Plattsburgh, N. Y. A 
brass baptismal ewer was the gift at Easter, 1885, of Miss 
Mary Allen and her Sunday School class. About 1886, 
Dr. Ziegenfuss had the pulpit and reading-desk 
put outside the chancel -rail, and the old rail replaced 
by a new one of more ecclesiastical design; thus empha- 
sizing still further his reverence for the sanctuary, as the 
Holy of Holies. When the new church was built in 1888, 
the first litany -desk used in the parish, one of carved oak, 
was given by Mrs. Henry M. Curtis. 

The name of the donor of the brass Altar -cross and 
vases in 1877 has never been announced, but their pres- 
ence on the retable was the cause of the removal from 
Christ Church to St. Paul's of Stephen M. Buckingham. 
Mr. Buckingham, an old-time gentleman, and a man of 
strong principles, highly respected in the community, 
was a conscientious and convinced Low Churchman, 
opposed to anything which would alter the simplicity of 
the services of the Church, and his action in leaving 
the parish is interesting in its historical setting, show- 
ing him to have been one of the last survivors of the 

223 



The Records oj Christ Church 

early Low Church party. He had been a communicant in 
Christ Church since 1850, a vestryman twenty-five years, 
and always exceedingly generous with his large means, 
not only in the parish, but in the work of the Convoca- 
tion of Dutchess, with which he was closely allied from 
1857 to his death in 1887. 

In May, 1888, just after the consecration of the new 
church, the vestry received an offer of "two Altar -lights,*' 
which they "declined to accept at present." On one 
memorable occasion two seven -branch candlesticks, 
filled with lighted candles, did stand on the Holy Table 
of Christ Church, on either side of a tall floral cross; this 
was in June 1868^ at a Cottage Hill Seminary commence- 
ment. But these two instances seem to be the nearest 
this parish has ever come to candles on the Altar. 

The other distinct innovation that occurred in Dr. 
Ziegenfuss's rectorate was the inauguration by him of 
organized Church work. In the years preceding, there 
had been no formal conduct of affairs, and no guilds, 
nor societies for the laity; since he started it, organized 
work has greatly increased and developed, but its initial 
steps were led by him. The following is a chronological 
list of the groups of men and women that have banded 
together in Christ Church from time to time: 



The Parochial Visitikg Committee 
Visitation of the poor and sick is the earliest form of lay work 
in the parish of which there is record. With the founding of 
the Sunday School in 1824, is seen its most evident beginnings, 
and it increased with the establishment of the Parish School 
in 1845. The names of Miss Phinney, Miss Mary Allen and 
Mrs. Horace Sague are those of three of the several women 
who were very early identified with this work. Of Miss 

1 The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, July 18th, 1868. 

224 



The Records oj Christ Church 

Phinney mention has already been made; Miss Allen taught in 
the Parish School and in the Sunday School for many years, 
and is remembered with esteem for her life of good deeds and her 
love for the Church. Mrs. Sague, before her marriage in 1860, 
had for some ten years been one of those who made parish calls. 
At the beginning of Dr. Ziegenfuss's rectorate, about 1875, 
he appointed her Chairman of a Parochial Visiting Committee, 
and she filled the office continuously until 1904. 

Of Mrs. Sague's associates on this committee, some of those 
who began with her, and continued for many years, were Mrs. 
Robert E. Taylor, Mrs. Robert Van Kleeck, Mrs. Edward H. 
Parker, Mrs. Benjamin R. Tenney and Miss Mary Hart, wo- 
men whose devout faith and devotion to the Church's mission 
are their lasting memorial in the parish. Their quiet, unre- 
corded acts of charity and mercy set them apart, in a niche 
pecuharly their own, before which burns the lamp-flame of our 
love and recollection. 

In 1900, the Parochial Visiting Committee became the Relief 
Committee of the Women's Guild of the parish. Since the 
resignation of Mrs. Sague in 1904, the Chairmen have been, — 
Mrs. E. V. Sidell, 1904-1906; Mrs. Charles J. Meade, 1906- 
1908; Mrs. Joseph C. EngUsh, 1908-1910; Mrs. Albert E. 
Schwartz, 1910. 



The Chancel Committee 

The Rev. Dr. Cady is authority for the statement that, in 
his rectorate, there was no chancel work done by the laity. 
This was because the only occasion for it was the preparation 
for the celebration of the Holy Communion, and that was at- 
tended to by the clergy. Flowers were used only on the 
Greater Festivals, such as Christmas and Easter. 

With Dr. Ziegenfuss's introduction of colored hangings, 
which it was necessary to change from time to time, and of 
vases on the retable, which were filled with flowers for the 
weekly Sunday services, there began, in 1877, the reverent 
labors in the sanctuary of the women of the congregation. 
The workers in the Market street church, from 1877 to 1888, 
were six in number, and they were not organized as a com- 
mittee, but divided and arranged the duties informally among 
themselves. The original four were Mrs. Edward H. Parker, 
Miss Lydia Phinney, Miss Jeannie C. Wright and Miss Emma 

225 



The Records of Christ Church 

Corlies. Mrs. Parker died in 1880 and was succeeded by her 
daughter, Miss Helen C. Parker, and Miss Elizabeth Newcomb 
followed Miss Phinney, after the latter's death in 1879. 

More workers were needed when the new church was built, 
and, on June 9th, 1888, an Altar Society was formally organ- 
ized. In the first year of its existence the following ladies were 
members of it: Mrs. Henry M. Curtis, Mrs. Augustus 
Doughty, Mrs. Henry Hampton, Mrs. Hayt, Mrs. John 
Kinkead, Mrs. S. N. Morgan, Mrs. John C. Otis, and the 
Misses Antoinette and Mary Cornwell, Helen L. Douw, Mary 
E. Goodsell, Edith Hamilton, Helen C. Parker, Elvira Sague 
and Margaret A. Storm. 

On June 4th, 1889, the Society voted to reduce the number 
of its active members to eight, and it was accordingly reor- 
ganized with these names on the roU : Mrs. Henry Hampton, 
Mrs. John C. Otis, Mrs. Edward H. Parker, and the Misses 
Antoinette and Mary Cornwell, Helen C. Parker, Elvira 
Sague and Margaret A. Storm. 

It is impossible to give the personnel of the Society from 
1889 to 1900, in which latter year it relinquished its indepen- 
dent existence and became a Standing Committee of the 
Women's Guild of Christ Church, but the Presidents have 
been: Mrs. Augustus Doughty, 1888-'89; Mrs. Henry 
Hampton, 1889-'90; Miss Helen C. Parker, 1890-'91; Miss 
Mary Cornwell, 1891-'92; Mrs. John C. Otis, 1892-'93; Mrs. 
George W. Halliwell, 1893-'94; Mrs. Henry Booth, 1894-'95; 
Miss Lina Slee, 1895-'96; Miss Cora A. Reynolds, 1896-'97; 
Mrs. Alexander L. Fryer, 1897-'98; Miss Helen Van Kleeck, 
1898-'99; Miss Mary E. Woodin, 1899-1900; Mrs. Edward 
H. Parker, 1900. 

The colored hangings which were new in 1877 were followed 
in 1888 by a white set given by Mr. Joseph T. Tower, a green 
set by Mrs. Benjamin R. Tenney, and a red set by Mrs. 
Albert Tower, and, in 1889, the Ladies' Aid Society gave the 
materials for a purple set that was made and embroidered by 
Mrs. Henry Hampton. In 1901 Mrs. Martha Barnard Jones 
and Mrs. A. Edward Tower gave a new white set, and in 1902 
a new purple set was made and embroidered by Miss Mildred 
E. Taylor and Miss Sarah Petillon, of materials purchased by 
the Women's Guild. All embroidered hangings were dispensed 
with in 1906, and, since then, only dossals, of figured brocade 
or of plush, have been used ; the purple dossal is that made in 

226 



\ 



The Records ojChrist Church 

1902 by Miss Petillon, and the white, green and red were the 
gifts of Mrs, Charles H. Buckingham. 

In the Market street church flowers were used in profusion, 
specially generous contributors being Mrs. Albert Tower and 
Mrs. John Kinkead. The latter has made a tradition of the 
beauty of her decoration of the font at Easter for many years, 
in both churches, and, in the new church, the care of the lec- 
tern by Mrs. Augustus Doughty, of the pulpit by Mrs. James 
W. Hinkley, and the large gifts to the Altar by Mrs. Charles 
H. Buckingham, have frequently made the church seem the 
home of flowers. 



The Poughkeepsie Branch of the Woman's Auxiliary 

The first minute book of the Secretary of the Poughkeepsie 
Branch of the Woman's Auxiliary to the Board of Missions 
opens with this paragraph: "On the 25th of October, 1879, 
Bishop Whipple addressed the three parishes of Poughkeepsie, 
assembled at Christ Church, on the subject of missions. After 
which, the ladies were requested to meet m the chapel, ad- 
joining the church, to organize a branch society of the Wom- 
an's Auxiliary." 

At this meetmg by-laws were adopted and officers elected. 
The first board consisted of Mrs. William A. Davies, President; 
Mrs. Stephen H. Synott, Vice President; Mrs. Stanley Bart- 
lett. Treasurer; Miss Ehzabeth Newcomb, Foreign Secre- 
tary; Miss Jeannie C. Wright, Domestic Secretary. 

The inter-parochial basis of the local branch of the Auxil- 
iary has continued to the present, and the organization has a 
record of much good work. 



Christ Church Guild 
In the spring of 1882 Dr. Ziegenfuss formed an organization, 
known as Christ Church Guild, for men and women jointly. 
It lasted until about the time the new church was built, and 
held its meetings in the evening, either in the Sunday School 
room at the rear of the old church, or in the Parish School 
building, corner of Market and Pine. The gatherings were 
both social and literary, and the outside work was varied. At 
the meetings there were discussions and readings, and Dr. 
Ziegenfuss instructed classes in philosophy, astronomy, etc. 

227 



The Records of Christ Church 

Committees had charge of Sunday School work, entertain- 
ments and other parish interests. The life of this Guild was 
short, but its membership was numerous and influential, and 
its meetings successful. The manifold activities, incident to 
the buildmg of the new church, 1887-1888, brought about its 
dissolution. 



The Ladies' Aid Society 
This society was organized on October 8th, 1886, at the 
house of Mrs. John C. Otis, for the specific purpose of enlistmg 
the women of the congregation in the work of raising money 
toward the erection of a new church building. Seven ladies 
were present,— Mrs. Otis, Mrs. C. M. Nelson, Mrs. Huhne, 
Mrs. George W. Halliwell, Mrs. William Betts, Mrs. AUing 
and Mrs. Charles WiUiams, — their conference resulting in 
several years of strenuous labor and large accomplishment. 
The meetings of the Aid Society from 1886 to 1894 were held 
in private houses, and a small fee was paid by the members at- 
tending, the aggregate fees creating a capital fund out of which 
purchases were made of sewing materials. There were many 
skilled needlewomen in the parish, and they received and filled 
orders for the elaborately embroidered centerpieces and doy- 
Ues, then fashionable, and also for plain sewing; catering or- 
ders were taken, and sales were held of fancy articles and of 

cake. 

The Society had no President, Secretary, nor Treasurer from 
1886 to 1894, and for all those eight years the duties of these 
several offices were performed by Mrs. John C. Otis, who bore 
the burden of purchasing materials, distributing the same, 
keeping the accounts, and, finally, overseeing the expenditure 
of the money that was earned for the Society's gifts to the 
Church. Her long continued, self-sacrificing toil, and enthu- 
siastic interest were important factors in the success attained 
by the Aid Society. 

The parish is indebted to Mrs. Otis for the preservation 
of the papers and books belonging to the Ladies' Aid at this 
important period of its existence, from which records valuable 
details are gathered. From October, 1886, to October, 1894, 
$7,440.91 was earned by the members of the organization by 
the simple methods that have been outlined. The prmcipal 
disbursements were these: 

228 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

$1,850.00, paid May 15th, 1888, to George Mertz and Sons. 
Port Chester, N. Y., for choir-stalls and rood- 
screen. 
787.75, paid May 24th, 1888, to H. D. Ostermoor & Son, 
N. Y. City, for pew cushions. 

50.00, paid May 24th, 1888, to H. D. Ostermoor & Son, 
for cushions for use in the chancel, 
1,140.00, paid May 23rd, 1888, to Donald, Converse & 
Maynard, Poughkeepsie, for 1134 yards of Body 
Brussels carpet, made and laid. 

81.75, paid July 3rd, 1888, to Donald, Converse & 
Maynard for 109 hassocks. 
216.00, paid May 21st, 1888, to Cox Sons, Buckley & Co., 
for cassocks and cottas, imported from London, 
for 12 boys, 7 youths, and 13 men. 

62.00, paid 1888, to Cox Sons, Buckley & Co., for a silk 
cassock and linen surplice, imported from 
London. 

55.00, paid 1888, to Cox Sons, Buckley & Co., as a cash 
balance due on the purchase of a new Altar, which 
was valued at $82.00. $27.00 was allowed in ex- 
change for the former Altar and an alms-box 
and hymn-board. 

65.86, paid for materials for a set of purple hangings, 
made and embroidered by Mrs. Henry Hampton, 
in 1889. 
1,800,00, paid Sep. 20th, 1892, to the TiflFany Glass & Deco- 
rating Co., for painting and decorations in the 
church. 
200.00, paid Oct. 3rd, 1892. to Mr. William A. Potter, 
architect, for professional services in connection 
with the decoration of the church. 

The record books mention many women who, from Octo- 
ber, 1886, to November, 1889, helped the Aid Society in 
different ways, either as active members or by generous con- 
tributions. The names so appearing are those of : 

A. Miss Julia Alexander; Miss Mary Allen; Mrs. Ailing. 

B. Mrs. O. D. M. Baker; Miss Mary Baker; Mrs. Susan M. 
Ball; Mrs. William Betts; Mrs. Frank Bradbury; Mrs. 
Charles Brooks. 

229 



The Records ojChrist Church 

C. Mrs. M. E. ColliBgwood; Mrs. John Collingwood; Mrs. 
George Cornwell; Miss AntoiBette Cornwell; Miss Mary 
Cornwell; Miss Irene Cornwell; Mrs. Henry M. Curtis. 

D. Mrs. Roland, R. Dennis; Mrs. Augustus Doughty; Miss 
Josephine M. Doughty. 

E. Mrs. Irving Eltmg. 

F. Miss Fish; Mrs. Charles Fogg; Mrs. E. D. Forman; 
MissForman; Mrs. Joseph G. Frost; Miss Julia Frost. 

G. Mrs. Griffin; Miss Mary E. Goodsell; Miss Goodrich. 
H. Mrs. Edward Haight; Mrs. George W. HaUiwell; Mrs. 

Adolphus Hamilton; Miss Edith Hamilton; Miss Ham- 
mond; Mrs. Henry Hampton; Miss May Hampton; Mrs. 

Frank Hasbrouck; Mrs. Peter B. Hayt; Mrs. Smith Heroy ; 

Mrs. Mary A. Hinkley; Mrs. Horace D. Hufcut; Mrs. 

Hulme; Mrs. Nathaniel Huntiag; Mrs. Samuel Hunting. 
K. Mrs. John Ejnkead. 
L. Miss Pauline Lalouette. 

M. Mrs. Marsh; Mrs. Edward T.Mason; Mrs. S. N. Morgan. 
N. Mrs. C. M. Nelson; Miss Ehzabeth Nelson; Miss Leila 

Nelson; Mrs. Sophia P. Newcomb; Miss Elizabeth 

Newcomb. 
O. Mrs. John C. Otis; Mrs. Jacob Overocker. 
P. Mrs. Edward H. Parker; Miss Helen C. Parker; Mrs. 

Sylvester Pier; Mrs. Putnam. 
R. Mrs. Charles Rudd. 
S. Mrs. Horace Sague; Miss Elvira Sague; Mrs. W. T. 

Schultz; Mrs. P. Frost Spaulding; Mrs. Robert Steams; 

Mrs. Edward Storm; Mrs. George W. Storm; Miss 

Margaret A. Storm. 
T. Mrs. Robert E. Taylor; Mrs. Benjamin R. Tenney; Miss 

Elizabeth Thomas; Miss Sarah Thomas; Mrs. John 

Thompson; Mrs. Townsend. 
V. Mrs. John Van Keuren; Mrs. Edgar Van Kleeck; Mrs. 

Robert Van Kleeck; Miss Irene Van Kleeck. 
W. Miss Wiley; Mrs. Charles Wilhams; Mrs. James L. 

Williams; Mrs. Jeromus Wiltsie; Miss Margaret Win- 
slow; Mrs. Wise; Mrs. Jere Wright. 
Y. Mrs. Fleming Yelverton. 
Z. Mrs. Henry L. Ziegenfuss. 

230 



The Records of Christ Church 

In September, 1894, the Aid Society was reorganized and 
the following board of officers elected: 

President Mrs. Augustus Doughty 

Vice President Mrs. Robert E. Taylor 

Secretary Mrs. Edward H, Parker 

Treasurer Mrs. John C. Otis. 

This board continued for about two years. Mrs. Robert 
Van Kleeck was President 1896-1898 (?), and Mrs. A. Edward 
Tower 1898-1899 (?), and Miss Mary E. Woodin was Secretary 
and Treasurer 1896-1899. After the mortgage was placed 
upon the property of the Church in 1893, the vestry looked to 
the Aid Society for help in raising the annual interest. The 
Society did contribute generously to this, and to the current 
expenses of the parish, for a time, and, in the summer of 1895, 
provided the church with ventilators at a cost of $726.00; but 
in February, 1899, it communicated to the vestry, by its Secre- 
tary, its unwillingness to work further for the interest on the 
debt, and, in 1900, its meetings were omitted. 



The King's Daughters 
In 1887-1890 a group of httle girls, who were gathered to- 
gether and led by Miss Edith Hamilton, worked in various 
ways to earn money with which to make a gift to the church, 
then building. They sewed, and took cooking orders, and 
gave tableaux, and held a fair, their efforts materializing in 
the credence-table; in the Magnificat window, beside the or- 
gan; and in the window called the Jeweled Cross. The 
children who composed this circle of King's Daughters 
were: Lydia Booth, Ehse Hampton, Mary Hinkley, Hazel 
Hufcut, Corneha Dodge Kinkead, Josephine Mason, Nancy 
Vincent McClelland, Agnes Reeves and Helen Van Kleeck. 



Knights of Temperance 

Christ Church Company, No,. 52 

This organization was chartered November 15th, 1889, and 

disbanded in October, 1893. The Wardens were Robert Van 

Kleeck, 1889-1892, and John K. Sague, 1892-1893, and the 

disbanding of the company took place because, when Mr. 

231 



The Records ojChrist Church 

Sague was unable to serve longer, it was impossible to fill his 
place, and the company formally voted that they preferred to 
disband when their prestige was high, rather than to dwindle 
into insignificance. They had had a particularly prosperous 
existence, and ranked high in the general organization of the 
Knights of Temperance. In the summer of 1891 they had a 
camp near Stissing Lake, Dutchess County; in April, 1892, a 
play was given to earn money for uniforms, and, in Jime, 1892, 
the company went to New York and entered a competition 
drill, in which they won the prize banner; in April, 1893, a 
play was successfully given in the Opera House, and, in May, 
1893, they joined prominently in a convention of Kiiights of 
Temperance held in Pouglikeepsie. Companies from New 
York City, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Connecticut and the 
Hudson River towns attended this convention, during which 
there were contests in declamation, athletics and drilling. 
Christ Church Company won the prize banner in drilling, 
second place in athletics, and second in increase of member- 
ship. It is regretted that no list of the members of this com- 
pany has been found. The officers in 1892 were: Warden, 
Robert Van Kleeck; Vice-Warden, John J. Sloan; Sub- War- 
den, John K. Sague; Past Captain, B. G. Tice; Captain, A. H. 
Fish; Lieutenant, R. Graham; Senior Lieutenant, G. Lumb; 
Junior Lieutenant, W. Wesley; Ensign, J. Hey; Senior Color 
Guard, L. Mitchell; Junior Color Guard, W. Haight; Secre- 
tary, R. H. Maar; Ass't Secretary, E. Wolven; Treasurer, P. 
Howard; Ass't Treasurer, S. C. Fish. 



The Brotherhood of St. Andrew 

A charter was granted to Christ Church Chapter of the 
Brotherhood of St. Andrew on November 22d, 1890. A 
complete list of the members has not been obtained, but the 
Chapter was founded by Mr. Sylvester Pier, the first Director, 
and by Messrs. Michael T. Baumbusch, Henry S. Curtis, Al- 
fred H. Fish, Victor Pier, Arthur B. Rudd, Wilham H. Sloan, 
Robert Van Kleeck, and Hiram S. Wiltsie. For two years the 
Order maintained a free reading room, with games, that was 
open every evening at No. 94 Union street. Then, from 1893 

232 



The Records oj Christ Church 

to 1898, it had charge of the mission at Spuyken Kill.i Mr. 
Wiltsie succeeded Mr. Pier as Director, and the Rev. Mr. 
Weikert followed Mr. Wiltsie. Through all of the Brother- 
hood's eight years of hfe its members did regular work in 
visiting the hospital, hotels and Eastman College. The 
Chapter faded out of existence about 1899. 



The Girls' Friendly— The Girls' Guild 
July 7th, 1892, the Christ Church branch of the Girls' 
Friendly Society was organized under the auspices of the 
following ladies of the parish as Associate Members: Miss 
Mary Baker, Miss Carrie Campbell, Miss Irene Cornwell, 
Miss Helen Cornwell, Mrs. Augustus Doughty, Miss Helen 
N. Frost, Mrs. Edward H. Parker, Miss Sarah Petillon, Mrs. 
Sylvester Pier, Miss Julia Sague, Miss Elizabeth Schermer- 
horn, Miss Lina Slee, Miss Gertrude Sloan, Mrs. Robert Van 
Kleeck, Mrs. Harry Wallliead, Miss Mary E. Woodin. 

Miss Helen N. Frost was the active directress, or executive 
officer, 1892-1894, her successors between 1894 and 1900 being 
Mrs. Harry Wallhead and Miss Mina L. Frost. The first roll 
of girls numbered fifty-five, and the Friendly Society soon 
proved itself a live organization; classes in cooking, plain 
sewing and embroidery, and in hterature, history and draw- 
ing were conducted with successful results, and the organ- 
ization earned an excellent reputation. 

In 1901 connection with the parent Society, the Girls' 
Friendly in America, was severed, and the members of the 
branch reorganized as the Girls' Guild of Christ Church, which 
continued until 1905. Miss Mary E. Woodin was President 
of the Girls' Guild 1901-1902; Mrs. Frederick S. Lyke, 1903; 
Miss Lucy Jackson, 1903-1904. In 1905 the Guild was aUow- 
ed to lapse; the meetings were of necessity held at evening, 
and it came to be deemed unwise to bring such young girls 
from home at that time. 

1 The mission at Spuyken Kill was founded by Mr. William M. 
Goodrich, vestryman of Christ Church, about the beginning of Dr. 
Ziegenfuss's rectorate, services and Sunday School being held in the 
school house. After Mr. Goodrich's death in 1881, Mr. Robert Van 
Kleeck, who had been associated with him, acted as lay reader for 
some years. 

233 



The Recor ds of C hr i s t Church 

The Daughters of the King 

It was probably late in 1896 that the original members of 
the Christ Church Circle of the Order of the Daughters of the 
King were gathered, but their charter was dated January 
28th, 1897. The charter members were: Mrs. Frank Brad- 
bury, Miss Helen Brill, Mrs. Frederick Chichester, Mrs. 
John Gaylord, Miss Helen C. Parker, Miss Sarah Petillon, 
Miss Cora Reynolds, Miss Mary B. Sanford, Mrs. Samuel A. 
Weikert. Members entering after the charter had been 
granted were : Miss Lotta Brown, Miss Florence Chichester, 
Miss Edith Christie, Mrs.. Harvey French, Miss Cornelia B. 
Hart, Miss Jane L. Hinkley, Mrs. Frederick S. Lyke, Miss 
Marie L. Reynolds, Miss Nannie Vaughn and Miss Mary 
Woodin. The Presidents of the Society have been, Mrs. S. 
A. Weikert, 1897-1900; Mrs. Frederick Chichester, 1900-1901; 
Miss Jane L. Hmkley, 1901-1903; Mrs. Frederick Chichester, 
1903; Miss Sarah Petillon, 1904-1905. No election was held 
in January, 1906, and the organization dissolved, largely be- 
cause particular forms of work, in which it had been con- 
cerned, no longer needed its help. The Daughters had had 
charge of the Mothers' Meetings from 1897 to 1904, and of 
the Girls' Guild from 1901 to 1905, and had worked hard and 
faithfully, but the Mothers' Meetings became independent and 
self-supporting, and the Girls' Guild was discontmued, so the 
corporate association of the Daughters ceased. 



Christ Church Cadet Corps — Boys' League 
The Cadet Corps was organized in January, 1897, and con- 
tmued until 1906, as a uniformed, drilled company of boys. 
Their appearance in Decoration Day parades won them much 
praise, and the boys enjoyed the benefits of several summer 
camping trips arranged for them. In 1897 Allen Frost was 
captain of the company; Samuel C. Fish was a leader in or- 
ganizing it, and Alfred H. Fish was captain for several years. 
The membership ranged from thirty to fifty boys. 

The resignation in 1906 of John K. Sague, who had been 
commandant of the corps since 1903, left the organization 
without a leader. In 1907-1908 the military features were 
dropped, and the same boys banded as the Junior, or Boys', 
League, under Mr. Percy L. Reynolds, Director. 

234 



The Recor ds oj C hr i s t Church 

Mothers' Meetings — St. Margaret's Guild 

At some time during the year 1897, there was started an 
organization which has steadily increased in strength ever 
since. It had its beginning in this simple way. The Rev. Mr. 
Weikert expressed regret to Mrs. George Champion that she 
and other mothers of children in the Sunday School did not 
oftener get to the church. In reply, Mrs. Champion suggest- 
ed that, if meetings were held here, such as she, herself, had at- 
tended in the Church of the Holy Apostles, New York City, 
perhaps the mothers would come to them. Mr. Weikert there- 
upon commissioned Mrs. Frederick Chichester and Mrs. Frank 
Bradbury, two of the Daughters of the King, to start meetings 
modelled after those held in the New York parish. 

The meetings began with an attendance of seven, which has 
since become about thirty-four. In their original purpose 
they were intended to be a means whereby the Church should 
help some of its members, and were conducted solely for the 
personal benefit of those who came to them. On this basis 
the Daughters of the King had charge of them, and supported 
them for several years. Gradually the chief burden of the 
work fell upon one member of the Daughters, Miss Jane L. 
Hinkley, under whom, as Directress, the meetings in 1904 be- 
came self -supporting, their source of income being the pro- 
ceeds of the sales of tufted quilts. The Directresses succeed- 
ing Miss Hinkley have been Mrs. John R. Reynolds, 1905- 
1906; Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham, 
jointly, 1906-1908; and Mrs. Buckingham, 1908-1910. 

In the autumn of 1905 the old name of Mothers' Meetings 
was given up, and that of St. Margaret's Guild adopted, in 
honor of St. Margaret of Antioch, the patron saint of all 
women, and especially of mothers. There is no guild in the 
parish which does more work than St. Margaret's, or the 
members of which give so generously, and a long and honor- 
able future is anticipated for it. 

The roll of 1910 bears the names of: 

B.*^ Mrs.E.W. Bowen; Mrs. Boyles; Mrs. Edward Brenner; 
Mrs. Joseph Brokosch; Mrs. Mary R. Brownlee; Mrs. 
Burgess; Miss Sarah Boston; Miss Louisa Boston. 

C. Mrs. Gilbert Caire; Mrs. George F. Champion; Mrs. 
Peter Chapman; Mrs. F. J. Curdy. 

D. Mrs. Newell Davids; Mrs. Samuel Dayton. 

235 



The Records ojChrist Church 

F. Mrs. David H. Fowler; Mrs. Andrew Frank. 

G. Mrs. Sarah Goodey. 

H. Mrs. William Halstead; Mrs. Powell Hobert; Mrs. Anna 

Page Horton; Mrs. Joseph Hughes. 
I. Mrs. James Ingraham. 
K. Mrs. Louisa Kahler; Mrs. William Key; Mrs. Charles 

Edward King; Mrs. John W. King. 
L. Mrs. Catherine Lewis; Mrs. Lindsley. 
M. Mrs. Frank Madison; Mrs. Ann Mahoney; Mrs. Charles 

Morgan; Mrs. Mary C. Myers; Miss Sarah C. Myers; 

Miss Jane Mead. 
P. Mrs. George T. Pearce; Mrs. Benjamin Pritchard. 
R. Mrs. James Reickel; Mrs. James Rikel; Mrs. Charles 

Rogers. 
S. Mrs. Warren Silvernail; Mrs. James Slater; Mrs, Sper- 

beck; Mrs. John Spross; Mrs. Philip Spross; Mrs. Jane 

Scott; Mrs. Stone. 
V. Mrs. Mary J. Valentine. 
W. Mrs. Frank Williams. 



The Women's Guild of Chbist Church 

At the beginning of his rectorate, on December 13th, 1900, 
the Rev. Alexander G. Cummins founded the Women's Guild 
of Christ Church, with fifty-seven organizing members. A 
constitution and by-laws were adopted on January 9th, 1901, 
which provided for the centralizing of the parish work done 
by women; in theory, every woman in the congregation is a 
member of this Guild, which meets monthly, from October to 
May, and which now has a membership of one hundred and 
twenty-one. Beside the usual executive officers, there are 
standing committees to conduct various branches of work, the 
chairmen of which make monthly and annual reports at the 
Guild meetings, the latter serving as a clearing house for 
general information in regard to parochial aflfairs. OflScers 
and chairmen are elected for one year, and are eligible for a 
second consecutive term, but may not hold office for three 
consecutive years. This principle of rotation has been 
found advantageous in practice, new workers being trained 
by it, and cliques among workers, and ruts in method avoided. 



The Records of Christ Church 

Beside the routine committee work annually carried on, 
the Women's Guild, as a whole, has, from 1903, made a spe- 
cial effort each year to give to the Church treasury at Easter, 
the aggregate offerings from 1903 to 1910 amounting to 
$7,829.15. The offering of $1,092.75 at Easter, 1908, was 
applied to the mortgage indebtedness of the parish. 

The officers of the Women's Guild from 1900 to 1910 have 
been: 

President, the Rector, ex officio. 

First Vice President 

Mrs. Robert Van Kleeck, December 1900-May 1902; Mrs. 
Augustus Doughty, 1902-1904; Mrs. Jolm A. Roosevelt, 
1904-1906; Mrs. James W. Hinkley, 1906-1908; Mrs. John 
K. Sague, 1908-1910; Mrs. William DeGarmo Smith, 1910. 

Second Vice President 

Mrs. A. Edward Tower, December 1900-April 1902; Mrs. 
Robert E. Taylor, 1902-1904; Mrs. Thomas M. Quirk, 1904- 
1906; Mrs. Charles H.Buckingham, 1906-1908; Mrs. Harris 
S. Reynolds, 1908-1910; Mrs. M. H. Chase, 1910. 

Recording Secretary 

Miss Helen W. Reynolds, December 1900-May 1902; Mrs. 
George D. Olivet, 1902-1904; Miss Rosahe Manning, 1904- 
1906; Miss Ruth A. Bahret, 1906-1908; Miss Marjorie L. 
Nickerson, 1908-1910; Mrs. Frederick J. Mann, 1910. 

Corresponding Secretary 

Miss Cornelia D. Kmkead, December 1900-May 1902; Miss 
Helen Van Kleeck, 1902-1904; Mrs. Harry Wallhead, 1904- 
1906; Miss Florence W. Olivet, 1906-1908; Miss Fanny D. 
Snyder, 1908-1910; Miss Lydia Shultz, 1910. 

Treasurer 

Mrs. Henry Booth, December 1900-May 1902; Miss Ellen 
C. Roosevelt, 1902-1904; Mrs. Frank Hasbrouck, 1904- 
1906; Miss Mary Wood, 1906-1908; Miss Mary Cornwell, 
1908-1910; Miss Effie Porteous, 1910. 

Relief Committee 
Mrs. Horace Sague, December 1900-May 1904; Mrs. E. V. 
Sidell, 1904-1906; Mrs. Charles J. Meade, 1906-1908; Mrs. 
Joseph C. Enghsh, 1908-1910; Mrs. Albert E. Schwartz, 
1910. 

237 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Chancel Committee 

Mrs. Edward H. Parker, December 1900-May 1902; Miss 
Helen W. Reynolds, 1902-1904; Miss Jane L. Hinkley, 1904- 
1906; Miss Julia Sague, 1906-1907; Miss Helen Van Kleeck, 
1907-1910; Miss Irene Cornwell, 1910. 

Hospitality Committee 
Mrs. John C. Otis, December 1900-May 1902; Mrs. William 
R. Farrington, 1902-1904; Miss Irene Van Kleeck, 1904- 
1906; Mrs. Smith W. Davis, 1906-1908; Mrs. Charles W. 
Swift, 1908-1910; Miss May L. Reynolds, 1910. 

Visiting Committee 
Mrs. George D. Olivet, December 1900-May 1902; Mrs. 
John K. Sague, 1902-1904; Mrs. Edward H. Parker, 1904- 
1905; Miss Helen W. Reynolds, October 1905-May 1907; 
Mrs. John C. Otis, 1908-1910; Mrs. DuBois Carpenter, 
1910. 

Writing Committee 

Mrs. Augustus Doughty, December 1900-May 1902; Mrs. 
Archibald McC. Bush, 1902-1904; Mrs. Walter M. Jones, 
1904-1906; Miss May L. Reynolds, 1906-1908; Miss Sarah 
Petillon, 1908-1910; Mrs. John W. Garrison, 1910. 

Missionary Committee 

Mrs. John Thompson, December 1900-May 1902; Mrs. 
Smith W. Davis, 1902-1904; Miss Mary Cornwell, 1904- 
1906; Mrs. Robert J. Stratford, February 1907-May 1908. 

Committee on Associate Organizations 

Miss Mary E. Woodm, December 1900-May 1902; Mrs. 
Frederick S. Lyke, 1902-1903; Miss Mary B. Sanford, 1903- 
1904; Miss Sarah PetUlon, 1904-1096; Mrs. J. H. M. A. 
von Tiling, 1906-1908; Miss Rosalie Manning, 1908-1910; 
Mrs. Chester T. CadweU, 1910. 

Property Committee 

Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham, November 1906-1910. 
Librarian, Church Periodical Club 

Mrs. Harris S. Reynolds, 1901; Miss Helen Cornwell, 1902- 

1904; Mrs. DuBois Carpenter, 1904-1906; Mrs. Albert E. 

Schwartz, 1906-1908; Mrs. Charles F. Wood, 1908-1910; 

Mrs. Alexander C. Dow, 1910. 

238 



The Records oj Chri st Church 

The members of the Women's Guild in 1910 are: 

B. Miss Ruth A. Bahret; Mrs. Harry S. Bock; Miss Mabel 
Booth; Mrs. G. C. Bower; Miss Myra Brazier; Mrs. 
George Briggs; Mrs. Mary R. Brownlee; Mrs. Charles 
H. Buckingham; Mrs. Archibald McC. Bush. 

C. Mrs. Chester T.Cadwell; Mrs. DuBois Carpenter; Mrs. 
WilUam B. Carpenter; Mrs. Walter R. Case; Mrs. George 
F. Champion; Mrs. M. H. Chase; Miss Florence Chi- 
chester; Mrs. George Cornwell; Miss Mary Cornwell; 
Miss Irene Cornwell; Miss Helen Cornwell; Miss Susan 

Coxhead; Miss Julia Crooke; Mrs. Edward W. Cundy. 

D. Mrs. Henry Dale; Mrs. George W. Davids; Mrs. Smith 
W.Davis; Mrs. C. P. Dorland; Mrs. Augustus Doughty; 
Mrs. Mary Harris Doughty; Mrs. Alexander C. Dow. 

E. Mrs. James E. East; Mrs. Joseph C. EngUsh. 

G. Mrs. John W. Garrison; Mrs. Elmer D. Gildersleeve Jr.; 

Mrs. Jesse J. Graham; Mrs. Augustus B. Gray. 
H. Mrs. John Hackett; Mrs. George W. Halliwell;, Mrs. C. 

C. Harcourt; Miss Louise Hardenbrook; Miss Mary A. 
Hart; Miss Emily Hart; Mrs. James W. Hinkley; Miss 
Mary Hinkley; Miss Jane L. Hinkley; Miss Anne 
Hinkley; Miss Josephine Hinkley; Mrs. James W. 
Hinkley Jr.; Miss Lillian Hunter. 

I. Mrs. Samuel M. IngersoU. 

J. Mrs. Walter M. Jones; Miss Elizabeth Van Cleef Jones. 

K. Mrs. J. K. Kaley; Mrs. John Kinkead; Miss Cornelia 

D. Kinkead; Mrs. Walter S. Knowlson; Mrs. Carl Kohl. 

L. Miss Pauline Lalouette. 

M. Mrs. Frederick J. Mann; Mrs. William Manning; Miss 

Rosahe Manning; Miss Minnie R. McGlasson; Mrs. 

Herbert Mills; Mrs. Sarah North Morgan. 
N. Mrs. Walter C. Nichols. 
0. Mrs. George D. Olivet; Miss Florence W. OUvet; Mrs. 

John Calhoun Otis; Mrs. John Haviland Otis; Mrs. 

Jacob V. Overocker. 
P. Mrs. James B. Packard; Miss Sarah Petillon; Mrs. Isaac 

Piatt; Mrs. James G. Porteous; Miss Effie Porteous; 

Dr. Emma Putnam; Mrs. William Prowse. 

239 



The Records of Christ Church 

R. Mrs. Adrian Rapelje; Mrs. James M. Reickel; Mrs. 
Harris S. Reynolds; Miss May L. Reynolds ; Mrs. John 
R. Reynolds; Miss Helen W. Reynolds; Mrs. John A. 
Roosevelt; Miss Ellen C. Roosevelt; Mrs. Charles Rudd; 
Mrs. Jay W. Russell. 

S. Mrs. Horace Sague; Mrs. John K. Sague; Mrs. Albert E. 
Schwartz; Miss Ameha Shiiltz; Miss Lydia Shultz; Mrs. 
Edwin V. Sidell; Mrs. Albert A. Simpson; Mrs. William 
Sirrine; Miss Gertrude Sloan; Mrs. William De Garmo 
Smith; Miss Fanny D. Snyder; Mrs. P. Frost Spaulding; 
Mrs. Charles W. Swift; Miss Elma D. Swift. 

T. Miss Louise E. Taylor; Mrs. Benjamin R. Tenney; 
Mrs. Isaac Trolley. 

v. Mrs. Harry Valentine; Mrs. Edward W. Valentine; Mrs. 

Robert Van Kleeck; Miss Helen Van Kleeck; Miss Irene 

Van Kleeck; Mrs. Isaac B. Van Vliet; Miss Narmie L. 

Vaughan; Mrs. J. H. M. A. von Tihng. 
W. Mrs. Harry Wallhead; Mrs. Owen Ward; Mrs. WilUam 

T. Ward; Miss May C. Wilkinson; Miss Sarah E. 

Williams; Miss Jessie Williams; Mrs. Louis C. Wood; 

Mrs. Charles F. Wood; Mrs. William R. Woodin; Miss 

Mary E. Woodin; Mrs. Walter Wrigley. 



The Young People's Association 

This Society was started June 11th, 1902, of nodxed mem- 
bership, young men and young women, both, belonging to it, 
and the meetings being largely social in character. The 
difficulties in the way of its success were too many, and it was 
dropped at the end of its second year. 



The Sewing School 

A Sewing School was opened in November, 1903, and contin- 
ued until May, 1905. Miss Mary B. Sanford served as Direct- 
ress, 1903-1904, and Miss Helen Van Kleeck, 1904-1905. For 
want of a Directress there was an hiatus in the sessions 1905- 
1908; in the year 1908-1909 a group of Vassar College students 
conducted the school, and, in 1909-1910, it has been in the 
charge of Miss Elizabeth Van Cleef Jones. The average num- 

^40 



The Records oj Christ Church 

ber of children attending, each year in which the school has 
been open, has been about forty, and the practical results 
have been very satisfactory. 



The Young Women's League 

When the Girls' Guild was discontinued in 1905 because of 
the extreme youth of its members, it was followed by the 
organization on January 11th, 1906, of the Young Women's 
League, intended for older girls, communicants of the parish, 
among whom a common meeting ground was needed. A few 
of the organizing members were: the IVIisses Ruth Bahret, 
Hilda Bayer, Irene Cornwell, Helen Cornwell, Lena Guylee, 
Louise Hardenbrook, Jane Hinkley, Luella Myers, Effie Por- 
teous, Vera Powell, May L. Reynolds, Helen W. Reynolds, 
Ellen C. Roosevelt, Helen Van Kleeck and May C. Wilkin- 
son. The meetings have been social and industrial, and for 
about three years were held regularly from October to May; 
missionary boxes have been packed, and, in 1909, excellent 
work for the tuberculosis camp of the City of Poughkeepsie 
was done. In the season of 1909-'10, the meetings were con- 
fined to the weeks preceding Christmas, when the dolls for the 
Sunday School tree were dressed. The lack of Directors did 
away with the meetings the remainder of the year. In 1906 
the Directors were Miss Helen W. Reynolds and Miss Helen 
Van Kleeck; from the fall of 1906 to Christmas, 1908, Miss 
Jane L. Hinkley and Miss Helen Van Kleeck; from January 
to December, 1909, Miss May C. Wilkinson and Mrs. John W. 
Garrison. 



The Men's League 

On February 2d, 1908, a service for men, only, was held in 
Christ Church, when the building was taxed to its capacity 
to accommodate the numbers who attended to hear a stirring 
address by the Rt. Rev. Charles D. Williams, Bishop of Michi- 
gan. Largely owing to the influence of this impressive occa- 
sion, a Men's League was formed in the parish, during Febru- 
ary, 1908, which has since held regular meetings and been ac- 
tive in the work it mapped out for itself. It has labored to in- 
crease the interest in the Church of the men of the parish, 
and to contribute its share to the improvement of modem 

£41 



The Records oj Christ Church 

social conditions. The President of the League is the Rector, 
ex officio, and the lay Directors have been Messrs. Edwin V. 
Sidell, 1908; Harry Wallhead, 1908-1910; Albert E. Schwartz, 
1910. 

Members of the League are: 

A. Otto Albertson. 

B. George K. Baird; Michael T. Baumbusch; Raymond 
Baumbusch; Harry Bayer; John T. Bayer; Ralph Bill- 
man; Harry S. Bock; Reon L. Bowen; G. C. Bower; 
John Bower; James C. Brower; Richard Brown; William 
E. Bussing. 

C. Dr. Chester T. CadweU; GUbert Caire; Pelton Cannon; 
Du Bois Carpenter; George Cassidy; M. H. Chase; 
George F. Champion; Peter Conrad; Homer L. Coxhead; 
Edward W. Cundy. 

D. George W.Davids; Newell Davids; Raymond B. Davids; 
Smith W. Davis; John Detlefs; Seward Devine; Augus- 
tus Doughty; Robert Doughty; Alexander Dow. 

E. Joseph C. English. 

F. Alfred H. Fish; J. Howard Fitchett; Robert Flagler; 
Benjamin M. Fowler; David H. Fowler; George L. 
Frankenstein; Albert Frederick; Louis N. Frost. 

G. John W. Garrison; Elmer D. Gildersleeve, Jr.; Jesse J. 
Graham; John N. Graham; Augustus B. Gray; George 
W. Gray; Harry Gray; Ernest Guylee. 

H. Abram Percival Hart; WiUiam Hall Hart; James W. 

Hinkley 2d; John L. HJnkley. 
I. Samuel M. Ligersoll. 

K. Augustus Kaiser; Charles Edward King; John W. King. 
L. Silas Lane; Albert Lewis; U. Grant Lucas. 
M. HenryJ. Maar; Charles Madison; Frank Madison; Fred 

Madsen; Richard J. Maloney; Dr. Frederick J. Mann; 

Walter S. Marx; George McConaghy; Charles J. Meade; 

Frank Myers; Thomas C. Myers. 
O. W. H. Osborne; Dr. John C. Otis; Edwin Overocker; 

George Overocker. 
P. Robert E. Page; George Patterson; George T. Pearce; 

Edward E. Perkins; Dr. Charles W. Pilgrim; Isaac Piatt; 

William G. Prowse. 

242 



The Records ojChrist Church 

R. Harris S. Reynolds; Louis W. Reynolds; Paul I. Rey- 
nolds; Percy L. Reynolds; Ashley H. Richards; Frede- 
rick Rikel; James Rikel; Dr. Isaac Woodbridge Riley; 
Samuel I. Robinson. 

S. ' Clarence Sague; Horace Sague; the Hon. John K. Sague; 
A. Allendorph Schoonmaker; Albert E. Schwartz; 
Charles Scofield; Sydney D. Shattuck; Harold Sherrill; 
Wilfred Sherrill; Edwin V. Sidell; Frederick H. Siegfried; 
Albert A. Simpson; Harry Sirrine; WiUiam Sirrine; 
James H. Slater; William H. Sloan; Harold Smith; Harry 
M. Smith; Ralph Smith; William De Garmo Smith; 
John Spross; Philip Spross; John Stratton; Charles W. 
Swift. 

T. Isaac TroUey. 

V. Edward W. Valentine; Frank Valentine; Theodore Van 
Kleeck; Reuben Van Vlack. 

W. Frank Wallhead; Harry Wallhead; Walter Wesley; 
WiUiam F. West; George Wilkinson, Jr.; Pierre G. 
Williams; William Wolff; Charles F. Wood; Henry 
Wood; Dr. Louis C. Wood; Walter Wrigley; William 
Wright. 

Y. Thomas C. Young. 

Turning from the subject of organized work to a men- 
tal review of the events in the parish in the years between 
1875 and 1910, it quickly becomes evident that there was 
but one event of any vital significance, but that that one 
was so important in its results that it can only be looked 
upon as a parting of the ways in the modern history of 
Christ Church. 

Until the third church was built in 1888, the congrega- 
tion had led a quiet, useful life, with a fair measure of 
material prosperity, the scale of their parochial living 
being well within their means. To erect a new church 
came to be necessarj^ to some extent, and an undertaking 
advisable, inasmuch as the parish was capable of rising 
to some effort to accomplish it. A new building was 

243 



The Records ojChrist Church 

desired by Dr. Ziegenfuss, the Bishop of the Diocese 
endorsed the proposition, the vestry favored it, and it 
was made practicable when Mr. Tower, a member of the 
vestry, told Dr. Ziegenfuss to proceed with the matter, 
and that, after the congregation had done what it could, 
he would make up the remainder of the money needed. 
Mr. Albert Tower was a man of large wealth, the Pres- 
ident of the Poughkeepsie Iron Company, who became a 
parishioner of Christ Church about 1875, his strong 
liking and friendship for Dr. Ziegenfuss drawing him into 
the congregation. In the community he was held in the 
greatest respect for the inherent worth of his character, 
which was marked by a high integrity and moral purpose, 
veiled by an unassuming modesty, while, in Christ 
Church, he was also regarded with gratitude and affec- 
tion for his generosity and devotion to the parish. 

It was Mr. Tower's full intention to make good any 
deficit arising from the building project, and, had he 
lived, no debt would have rested upon the parish, but 
his death occurred very suddenly, when certain expendi- 
tures had not been met, and the result was the placing of 
a large mortgage on the real estate held by the Corpora- 
tion of Christ Church. The church itself had been 
built, Mr. Tower paying about half the cost of it, and he 
had also erected the tower as a special individual gift, 
but incidental expenses in finishing the building and 
laying out the grounds, and a balance due upon the 
parish house, were still unpaid. It was made even more 
difficult for the congregation to carry the mortgage by 
the fact that the current income was each year insuffi- 
cient for the support of the new, and more expensive, 
property. 

Possibly the architect, Mr. WiUiam Apple ton Potter, 

244 



THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OP THE ENGLISH 
BURYING-GROUND 

About 1884 
The site of the present church 



The Records ofChrist Church 

and the vestry of that day builded better than they 
knew, and, in creating a church plant of the size they 
did, anticipated the requirements of a future now, 
almost, become the present. Certain it is, however, 
that, for a few years, the strain upon the people of 
Christ Church, bereft of the financial support upon which 
they had relied, staggering under the weight of a heavy 
mortgage, and, in this crisis, losing the Rector whom they 
loved and leaned upon, was so great, that their fate, as a 
parish, trembled in the balance. In 1899 a legacy of ten 
thousand dollars was received from the estate of Edgar 
Van Kleeck, which was applied to the principal of the 
mortgage, and reduced it from its original nineteen 
thousand to nine thousand dollars, and, between 1899 
and 1910, the nine thousand has been lowered to five. 
No longer a serious financial burden, it is, however, still 
a bugbear, morally, to many of the older members of the 
congregation, familiar with the trials it engendered, and 
it will be accounted a day of joy and of thanksgiving 
when it is entirely wiped out. 

The suggestion that a new church should be built was 
discussed in 1886, and formally decided upon by vote of 
the vestry on April 20th, 1887, the southwest corner of 
the EngHsh burying-ground being chosen as the site. 
The plans of William A. Potter, architect, were accepted 
in May, and in July a contract was made with George 
Mertz & Sons of Port Chester, N. Y., for the erection 
of the building. The accounts of Mr. George Cornwell, 
treasurer of the building fund, run from May 9th, 1887, 
to February 9th, 1889, and show that $89,580.34 passed 
through his hands, of which amount $45,000.00 was 
given by Mr. Albert Tower. The only other consider- 
able gift from an individual was that of $5,000.00 from 

245 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

Mr. Henry M. Curtis. The names of all those contribut- 
ing to the building fund, directly through the treasurer 
of the same, are: 

A. John P. Adriance; Miss Alice P. Anthes, 

B. Mrs. Susan M. Ball; Fenno D. Ball; Mrs. James Lenox 
Banks; William Bartlett; Miss Caroline Barrett; Miss 
Louise Barrett; Michael T. Baumbusch; John H. Brmck- 
erhoff. 

C. Arnout Cannon; C. L. Cannon; Peter CantUn; Jacob 
B. Carpenter; Leonard Carpenter; John Carty; Jane 
Carty; Dr. Walter R. Case; W. S. Chapman; John G. 
Collingwood; George Cornwell; Henry M. Curtis. 

D. William A. Davies; Le Grand Dodge; A. M. Doty; 
Augustus Doughty; Miss Josephine M. Doughty; J. De 
Puyster Douw ; Wilham T. Downes. 

E. Irving Elting. 

F. William R. Farrington; Mrs. James Fitchett; Mrs. Eliza 
D. Forman; Miss Grace Forman. 

G. William Gibson; Mrs. William M. Goodrich; Stephen G. 
Guernsey. 

H. Mrs. John H. Hackley; George W. Halliwell; John F, 
Halstead; Mrs. Adolphus Hamilton; Miss Edith Hamil- 
ton; Mrs. Henry Hampton; William Hare; Miss Susan 
Hatch; Miss Julia Hatch; Peter B. Hayt; Mrs. Smith 
Heroy; Theodore Hinkle; Miss Mary Emily Hinkle; 
James W. Hinkley ; Mrs. Maud Van Buren Holmes. 

L Henry Irving; James Irwin. 

J. Mrs. Margaret C. Jackson; Mrs. Ira W. Johnson. 

K. William Kaess; Mrs. Martha Kaye; Stephen Keller; 
Sophie Keller; Mrs. W. W. Kelley; Christian Kiefer; 
William R. Kimlin; Dr. John Kinkead; Mrs. John Kin- 
kead. 

Jj. Charles Lake. 

M. Miss Elizabeth Marsh; Mrs. Peter McAvoy; Mrs. Anna 
B. McConaghy; Miss Emily H. McCoull; ( ? ) Meisen- 
backer; Miss Mary T. Merritt; Lucilius Moseley. 

N. Dorsey Neville; Mrs. Sophia P. Newcomb; Miss Louisa 
A. Nichols. 



The Re.cords of C kr i s t Church 

O. Mrs. J. D. Ostrander; Dr. John C. Otis. 
P. Henry W. Page; William Polk; Mrs. William Polk; Dr. 
James G. Porteous. 

R.. Emily F. Raab; Charles P. Robinson; James Robson; 
Zebulon Rudd. 

S. Horace Sague; Mrs. Horace Sague; JohnK. Sague: Rob- 
ert Sanford; Charles E, Schou; Miss Elizabeth Shep- 
herd; Charles E.Shultz; Miss Amelia Shultz; MissLydia 
Shultz; James Shurter; Miss S. Shurter; Frances Shuster; 
James Sloan; William H. Sloan; John J. Sloan; Isaac 
Smith; P. Frost Spaulding; Mrs. Robert Stearns; George 
W. Storm; John SutclifiFe. 

T. Hudson Taylor; Mrs. Hudson Taylor; Robert E. Tay- 
lor; Benjamm R. Tenney; Mrs. John Thompson ; Albert 
Tower; John Tweedy; Mrs. John Tweedy. 

V. George Valentine; Mrs. Mary Valentine; Mrs. Edgar M. 
Van Kleeck; Mrs. George M. Van Kleeck; Robert Van 
Kleeck; John H. Van Kleeck; Mrs. Susan B. Van Vliet; 
Miss Mary Vredenburgh. 

W. Mrs. Ellen 'VSTiiten; Robert F. Wilkinson; James L. 
Williams; JohnWirsch; Henry Wood; George Wood. 

Y. Mrs. Julia G.Yelverton; Henry L. Young. 

Of the total disbursements by the building com- 
mittee some of the principal items were : 

Preparation of the site $ 764 . 16 

Architect 3,745 . OO 

Contractor 71,300.57 

Steam heater 2,200.00 

Temporary windows 774 . 73 

Removing human remains from old churchyard 555 . 27 

The property on Market street was sold^ October 10th, 
1888, for $8,000.00 to Dutchess County, the money being 
applied to the building fund. A plot in the northern 
end of the Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery was purchased, 
and the bodies in the old churchyard carefully removed 
1 Dutchess County Clerk's records, deeds, Liber 238, p. 356. 

247 



The Records ofChrist Church 

thither, with their ancient headstones. Another plot 
in the Rural Cemetery, owned by the Church, was ac- 
quired in 1868,1 after the vestry had prohibited inter- 
ments in the poor lot in the English burying -ground, 
and, on this, the children of the Sunday School now place 
a cross of flowers at Easter. 

The corner-stone of the new church was laid on Sep- 
tember 25th, 1887, by the Rt. Rev. Henry C. Potter, in 
the presence of a concourse of several thousand people. 
A leaden box, deposited in the cavity of the stone, 
contained: 

A Bible, Prayer Book and Hymnal ; silver and copper coins, 
all dated 1887; the Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of 
New York, 1886; copy of invitation to the ceremony and of the 
order of service; leaflet, containing the revised services of the 
Episcopal Church; copy of the charter of 1773; copy of the 
historical address, read by the Rector on this occasion; list of 
parishioners, and of all who contributed to the building fund; 
photographs of the old church, and of proposed plans for the 
new; Church almanac for 1887; copies of all daily and weekly 
papers in the city, and of Church newspapers; names of the 
architect and builders of the church; ancient coins, presented 
by Mrs. Albert Tower and Mrs. Robert F. Crary. 

When the Market street church was razed, the corner- 
stone was found with some difficulty. Its entire pre- 
served contents consisted of four coins, dated 1833, a 
Pine Tree shiUing, dated 1652, and a silver plate, marked 
*' Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, John Reed, Rector. 
Presented by Bowler & Ward 1833." In 1892 these 
were placed in a pocket above, and resting upon, the 
corner-stone of the present church. 

On Sunday, May 6th, 1888, the last service was held 
in the old church, and, on Sunday, May 13th, the first 

1 Ledger E, p. 43. 

248 



THE CORNER-STONE AND MAIN ENTRANCE 
OF THE PRESENT CHURCH 

Copyright, 1910. Frank B. Howard 



mmmm^^ji^^^^fSMmft,. 




The Records ofChrist Church 

in the new. The former occasion was, of course, tinged 
with the sadness caused by the sundering of the associa- 
tions of many years, but the latter pulsated with the 
hope and the largeness of spirit which Dr. Ziegenfuss had 
inspired by his attitude toward the new chapter in their 
life that his people were beginning. His breadth of 
sympathy and his conception of what this Church should 
mean to Poughkeepsie are illustrated in his sermon that 
opening day, in which he said:^ 

Yes, this is Christ Church; let us never forget that. Him, 
alone, do we acknowledge as our spiritual head and guide. 
When yonder Table is spread, a broad invitation is given that 
shuts out not one sincere follower of our common Master ; it 
is the Lord's Supper. And let me here say, once for all, you 
come there not of sufferance, nor of grudging hospitality, but 
our hearts go out to meet yours and bid you welcome, be you 
Greek Churchman, Catholic, or Protestant, — of whatsoever 
affiliation you please. 

God grant that, in this new temple, renewed life may be 
ours; that we may have a rich measure of the spirit of Christ; 
that, in kindliness of disposition, in earnestness of purpose, 
in unreservedness of beneficence, and unfalteringly of faith 
unto the end, a vivid vision of the Divine One may ever be 
before our eyes, and that, humbly and prayerfully, we may 
daily endeavor ourselves to follow in the blessed footsteps 
of His most holy life. 

The church was consecrated Tuesday, May 15th, 1888, 
by Bishop Potter, the event being marked by dignified 
ceremonial, and a congregation which filled the building. 
The procession entered in the order of the wardens and 
vestrymen; a full representation of the Denominational 
ministry of Poughkeepsie ; candidates for Orders; 
Deacons, Priests, and Bishops. The sermon was by the 
Rt. Rev. John Scarborough, and the Holy Communion 

1 The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, May 14th, 1888. 

249 



The Records ofChrist Church 

was celebrated by Bishop Potter, assisted by Bishop 
Scarborough and the Rev. W. E. Snowden and the Rev. 
Henry L. Ziegenfuss. 

For lack of a parish building, it was necessary that the 
luncheon for the guests, on the day of the consecration, 
should be served in the rooms of the Young Women's 
Christian Association. During the following year — 1889 
— the present parish house was erected, at a cost of 
nearly fifteen thousand dollars.^ Mr. Potter was again 
the architect, and Mertz & Son the contractors. 

In the same year that the parish house was built, the 
tower was added to the church, given entirely by Mr. 
Albert Tower, at an expense of about thirty thousand 
dollars.^ The vestry of the Church, in 1901, placed 
upon the tower a tablet, bearing an inscription that was 
written by Bishop Potter, and which reads : 

To the Glory of God and in Memory of 
Albert Tower a Just Man and the 
Generous Benefactor of this Parish 

With the opening of the new church, the music was 
made a special feature of its services. At the suggestion 
of the architect, a vested choir of men and boys^ was 
established, which was organized and drilled by Mr. 
George W. Halliwell, the first choirmaster. The sing- 
ing of the Te Deum and of the Gloria Patri had been 
introduced by the Rev. Homer Wheaton, and of the 
Kyrie Eleison by the Rev. Dr. Buel. Now, Dr. Ziegen- 
fuss began the intoning of the Tersanctus, and the sound 

1 Parochial Report, Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of 
New York, 1889. 

2 Parochial Report, Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of 
New York, 1889. 

3 Women were added to the vested choir in May, 1893, when 
Edward W. Valentine became choirmaster. 

250 



THE TOWER 

Erected 1889 
The Gift of Mr. Albert Tower 

Copyright. 1910. Frank B. Howard 



The Records of Christ Church 

of his rich,deep voice, as he rendered those solemn words, 
still rings in the ears of some who heard it, on whom it 
made an ineffaceable impression. 

A new organ was installed within a few weeks after the 
church was opened, which was made by J. H. & C. S. 
Odell of New York, and which is considered an excep- 
tionally satisfactory instrument; it is a three manual, of 
one thousand, eight hundred and eighty-eight pipes. 
The purchase price was $6,000.00, less $800.00 allowed 
for the old organ; about $3,100.00 was paid toward it 
from the general treasury, and $2,105.00 was contributed 
in individual subscriptions by: 

B. John Bayer. 

C. Dr. Walter R. Case; George Cornwell. 

D. Roland R. Dennis; Le Grand Dodge; Augustus Doughty; 
J. De Puyster Douw. 

F. A Fair, held by the Ladies' Aid Society. 

G. William Gibson. 

H. Mrs. Adolphus Hamilton; Miss Edith Hamilton; Mrs. 

Mary C. Hulme. 
K. Dr. John Kinkead. 
M. Edward T. Mason. 
N. Mrs. Cornelia M. Nelson. 
O. Dr. John C. Otis. 
P. Dr. Edward H. Parker. 
S. i Horace Sague; P. Frost Spaulding. 
T. Mrs. Hudson Taylor; Mrs. Benjamin R. Tenney; Miss 

Elizabeth Thomas; Mrs. John Thompson; John J. 

Thompson; Joseph T. Tower. 
V. Robert Van Kleeck. 
W. James L. Williams; Mrs. Wiltsie. 
Y. Mrs. Julia Yelverton. 

The Altar put in the church was considered a tempo- 
rary one, only. The architect's plans called for a carved 

251 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

stone Altar and reredos, which were to be procured as 
soon as possible after the necessary building expenses 
had been met, and Dr. Ziegenfuss instructed the Ladies* 
Aid Society to select as simple and inexpensive a wooden 
Altar as they could, which would be suitable for the short 
time it was expected to be used; but, in the combination 
of adverse circumstances, which soon succeeded the 
erection of the church, the proper finishing of the 
sanctuary was lost sight of. After Dr. Ziegenfuss's 
death, the vestry approved a proposal to carry out the 
original plan as a memorial to him, but the confusion, 
into which the people had been thrown, retarded the 
progress of the movement. It is much to be hoped that 
chancel furnishings, adequate to the size and dignity of 
the building, and sacred to the memory of the Rector so 
much loved, may yet be realized. 

When the congregation began its occupation of the 
beautiful church so joyfully, there was no thought that 
the stately services of the laying of the corner-stone, and 
of the consecration, would, in six years, be followed by 
impressive obsequies for the Rector of the parish. Dr. 
Ziegenfuss was elected Archdeacon of Dutchess in 1886, 
and the unwearied care he gave to the missionary work 
in the county was contemporaneous with his active labor 
in the building of the church, these both being supple- 
mented by his anxieties when the mortgage was incurred. 
There can be no doubt that he was overtaxed by the 
demands upon him, and was rendered unable to with- 
stand the strain of the illness which came to him, and 
from which he died on February 8th, 1894. But his 
place in the diocese, in the county, in the city and in the 
parish, and his hold upon the hearts of men, were attested 
by the number of those who came to the funeral service, 

252 



INTERIOR OF THE PRESENT CHURCH 

From a photograph taken in 1910 
Copyright, 1910, Frank B. Howard 



\^ 



The Records oj Christ Church 

held in the church on February 12th. A vast congrega- 
tion, of every Church and no Church, filled even the 
aisles, and many were turned from the door; Roman 
Catholic Priests and Protestant Ministers of Poughkeep- 
sie, and about forty clergy of the Archdeaconry and of the 
Diocese were present. Bishop Potter's address, the 
delivery of which was made faltering by his emotion, 
included these words :^ 

Coming here, under all the embarrassments of previous re- 
lationships,' he (Dr. Ziegenfuss) steadily grew in his influence 
as a man, as a teacher and as a preacher of Jesus Christ. 
There is no relationship that binds one so closely as the 
relationship of a pastor to his people. This man was your 
minister; he went in and out of your homes, spoke words 
of life and hope to you, a true consoler in time of sorrow, a 
priest of immortal life. 

This church, which has been his delight, will be his 
most appropriate monument. I shall always think of it, beau- 
tiful as it is, as peculiarly characteristic of him. 

The recently created Church division, the arch-diaconate, 
which had been the subject of controversy, he did more than 
any other man to make successful and useful by his loving care 
for neighboring Churches. He took it out of the realm of con- 
troversy, and made it a vital work. When men came to us in 
derision and asked: "What is an Archdeacon?," — we had but 
to point to his work. His heart was like a great arch, sustain- 
ing and upholding the new office. 

My lips are sealed as to my personal relations with him, but 
I must speak of his loyalty, his watchful care over the interests 
of the northern part of the diocese, always trying to save me 
care and work. He did what he could to bring men closer 
together. People, of whatever fellowship, found in him some- 
thing to attract them. He believed that God has some com- 
mon sta,nding ground for all, that all men are brothers. Nev- 
er ostentatious in his self-sacrifice, steadfast in his Christian 
discipleship, blessed be God for such a hfe! May He give 
you and me grace to reproduce it as we can! 

1 The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, February 13th, 1894. 

253 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

Dr. Ziegenfuss's death left the parish in the trough of 
the wave, and the Rectorship of it one fraught with the 
burden of many compHcations. To this difficult post 
was summoned the Rev. Samuel A. Weikert, and he 
brought to it earnestness of purpose, Christian good will, 
and faithful work, but his incumbency was comparatively 
short, being soon terminated by a call to St. Mark's 
Church, Paterson, New Jersey. 

In the vacancy created by Mr. Weikert's resignation, 
the vestry applied to the Bishop of the Diocese for 
guidance, who responded by appointing his brother, the 
Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Nott Potter, as Minister in Charge 
of the parish. 

Dr. Potter filled the position for nine months, and, 
after his death in 1901, the Bishop placed a tablet to his 
memory on the wall of the ambulatory in Christ Church. 
This choice of location was the occasion for a character- 
istic bon mot from the Bishop. "It is singularly appro- 
priate," said he, "that a tablet should be placed to the 
memory of my brother, 'Liph, in that particular spot. 
You know his tenure of office was transitory, and the 
tablet should therefore be in the ambulatory." 

Not long before the new Christ Church was built, 
great economic changes had begun in the United States, 
and, as time went on, these made themselves deeply felt 
in their effect upon the religious world. The appearance 
of factories in countless numbers, the rise of so-called 
swollen fortunes, the inpouring of armies of emigrants of 
all nationalities, the desertion of the country for the city, 
congested population in the larger centers, the invention 
of new facilities for communication, rapid transit, 
changed standards of living, increased scale of expendi- 
ture, and the spirit of materialism which spread abroad, 

254 



THE REV. SAMUEL A. WEIKERT. A.M. 

Rector of Christ Church, 1894-1900 

From a photograph taken during his incumbency 



The Records ojChrist Church 

all these contributing causes combined to present to the 
Christian Church a problem difficult of solution. How 
were men to be reached with the Gospel of Christ in this 
new dispensation? 

One method developed was the institutional Church, 
and, scattered over the land, are many parishes which 
have done magnificent work by their guilds and clubs, 
trade schools, etc. It is beginning to be pointed out, 
however, that where the Church endeavors to reach the 
masses only by offering such inducements as do benevo- 
lent and benefit organizations, and neglects to emphasize 
her divine origin and spiritual mission, the masses may 
well say, 'why not one club as well as another?' Here 
and there, a voice is raised of late in warning, saying that 
sociology must not be substituted for religion, and that, 
only as the Church is true to her primary function of 
inspiring the souls of men, will her hold be lasting; that, 
as an institution, the Church cannot attempt to purify 
pohtics and eradicate social evils, but that, by regener- 
ating the hearts and lives of her individual members, 
she may send forth men and women armed and equipped 
for the battle for righteousness, who yet renew their 
strength steadily through her sacraments and her wor- 
ship. 

Much is being said just now of a desire for Christian 
unity. Whether, or not, the day is still distant when 
many men of many minds shall agree as to doctrine, 
organization, and forms of worship, it is surely a truth 
that the social needs of the present offer to Christian 
people a limitless field in which to unite to do Christ's 
work in Christ's spirit. Were all who acknowledge His 
leadership to cooperate, fraternally, in philanthropy and 
social service, an essential unity would have been gained; 

255 



The Records ofChrist Church 

its moral influence would be evident in reform legislation, 
in honesty in business and politics, in the protection of 
childhood and womanhood, in more hospitals and more 
playgrounds, and in organized charities, while non- 
Christians would see the divided body of the Church in 
a new and happier light. 

Under the pressure of these modern conditions, the 
Rev. Alexander G. Cummins, on December 2d, 1900, 
began his rectorate of Christ Church, and, because of all 
that he has done for the parish, and the much that he has 
accomplished, the vestry are marking his tenth anni- 
versary with the publication of this volume. Ten years 
ago, when he was instituted, there were not only the 
extraneous social and economic circumstances crowding 
for consideration, but the immediate parochial situation 
was one that held its particular perplexities, and the first 
duty was to set our own house in order. With vigor and 
resolution the Rector assumed the task, and has exerted 
an energizing influence in the execution of it. He has 
assembled about him those who were specially qualified 
for special work, but it is through him that opportunity 
for specialized work has been afforded, and it is to him 
that a large part of the success of it is to be attributed. 
Dr. Cummins 's ability to organize and systematize is 
shown in the state of the congregation, its guilds, and its 
business affairs, all machinery of the parish having been 
brought into smoothly running order. 

The services of the Church, as conducted by Dr. 
Cummins, are dignified, orderly and rich, his own polish- 
ed reading and the excellence of the choir raising them 
far above the ordinary level. 

Prior to his rectorate, and in the period considered 
in this chapter, there were two special services which 

256 



THE MEMORIAL SERVICE 
May 29th, 1910 



■DesmttBsa 



The Records ojChrist Church 

should be recorded, one on September 26th, 1881, when 
the three parishes of the city united in Christ Church 
in a memorial to President Garfield, ^ and the other on 
December 21st, 1891,^ when the parish celebrated its 
one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary. In the 
present administration a special service in memory of 
President McKinley was held on September 19th, 1901; 
one in hospitahty to the Grand Army of the Republic 
took place on May 24th, 1908; and, on October 3d, 
1909, the Hudson-Fulton anniversaries were suitably 
observed. Of special services, more closely related to 
the Church itself. Dr. Cummins has introduced several 
which have become annual customs, — the Harvest 
Home at Thanksgiving, Manger at Christmas, Palm in 
Holy Week and an out-of-door memorial in Ascension- 
Tide. In 1909 the custom of out-of-door popular serv- 
ices on Sunday afternoons in September was begun. 

During Dr. Cummins's incumbency a great impetus 
has been given to the development of the music, credit 
for which is to be shared with him by the choirmaster, 
Edward W. Valentine, and by the organist, Harry S. 
Bock, who, as devoted communicants, have always had be- 
fore them the ideal of a "service," not of a "performance." 
Of the regular choir, the Bishop of the Diocese, the Rt. 
Rev. David H. Greer, has twice said, in his visits to 
Christ Church, that it was, to him, more like his dearly 
loved choir of St. Bartholomew's, New York City, than 
any choir he heard as he went about the diocese; higher 
praise than which, Bishop Greer could not give. 

From the time that a vested choir was formed, one of 
its best friends among the laity was the late Putnam 

1 The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, Sept. 27th, 1881. 

2 The Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, for Dec. 22nd, 1891, 

257 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Frost Spaulding, who ever did all in his power to pro- 
mote its efficiency, and provide for its support. Since 
his death, in 1908, his son, Mr. Arthur Frost Spaulding, 
has added to the endowment of the Church a music fund, 
known as the P. Frost Spaulding Memorial, as a peculiar- 
ly suitable tribute to his father. Mr. Spaulding was a 
layman of rare calibre, who loved the Church with both 
tenderness and strength; he considered it a privilege to 
minister to its needs, and was happy in serving it at 
every opportunity in a spirit of devotion to all for which 
it stands. 

Beside the regular choir, a festival choir was organiz- 
ed in the autumn of 1901, its membership drawn from 
many of the choirs and the musical clubs of Poughkeep- 
sie. The festival choir amounts, practically, to an 
oratorio society, by which two oratorios are given each 
year. Until 1909 its expenses were borne by the Church, 
from the general treasury, but the oratorios have now 
been placed upon a subscription basis. 

Although they attract enormous congregations, the 
parish may be acquitted of all self-interest in promoting 
the oratorios, for analysis of confirmation classes and of 
pew rentals discloses that gains to the Church cannot 
be traced to musical services. Crowds of people pass 
in and out of the doors on these occasions, and many 
doubtless receive uplift and comfort from the artistic 
rendition of great compositions, but still, as of old, it is 
by pastoral visitation, consecrated lay work, the Prayer 
Book services, and the instruction in the Sunday School 
that candidates for confirmation are won. Dr. Cum- 
mins's ten confirmation classes have averaged in member- 
ship thirty-six candidates a year, three hundred and 
fifty-six persons having been confirmed from 1901 to 1910. 

258 



OUT-OF-DOOR POPULAR SERVICE 

Sunday, October 2d, 1910 



"^V 



The Records of Christ Church 

The Sunday School of Christ Church is today in 
excellent condition, numerically strong, and doing a far 
reaching practical work, not only among children whose 
families are identified with the parish, but for many 
whose parents have no religious affiliations at all. A 
paid staff of trained teachers is employed, and the school 
is graded in conformity to the public school system of the 
city; its growth is so rapid that it is hampered for lack 
of room, every available bit of space in the parish house 
and in the church overflowing with classes. 

While through the Sunday School many children, and 
adults as well, are led to form an attachment to the 
Church, large numbers of people are also reached by a 
parish paper, Christ Church Chronicle, which was 
started by Dr. Cummins at the beginning of his rector- 
ate, and is now in its eleventh volume. Beside pro- 
viding a record of current parochial events, the paper is 
used as a medium for the discussion of the more import- 
ant public matters that arise from time to time; it is 
aimed to edit it in a broad spirit, and to disseminate 
through it liberal teachings upon present day problems. 

Under Dr. Cummins, and largely owing to his interest 
in it, the real property of the Corporation has been put 
into remarkable condition. The first important step 
toward this was the erection in 1903 of the Albert Tower, 
Jr., Memorial Rectory, given by A. Edward Tower. The 
architect, Charles A. Rich, designed a house with Tudor 
characteristics, which is in satisfying harmony with the 
architecture of the church. A large cast of a Madonna 
and Child, by Michael Angelo, over the mantel in the hall 
of the rectory, was presented by Mr. Rich, while another 
gift for the house was a maintenance fund of five hundred 
dollars, from Mrs. Martha Barnard Jones. At the same 

259 



The Records of Chr i s t Church 

time that the rectory was built, the congregation connect- 
ed it with the study and parish house by a cloister 
costing about twelve hundred dollars.^ 

The open square about the church has been beautified 
by the treatment of the trees, by many gifts of shrubs 
and plants, by new paths and drives, and by such con- 
stant care for its needs that it is now a spot of which the 
whole city may well feel proud. 

In 1906 Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham completely 
renovated and restored the church and parish house, 
which had received no repairs since their erection, al- 
though in constant use for eighteen years. So extensive 
in detail was Mrs. Buckingham's benefaction, that it has 
been entered in full as a section of the Appendix to this 
volume. Her more than generous expenditure of money 
has been made unique by the addition of her personal 
service, and the property has been brought into such 
order by what she has done for it, that, upon its repair, 
sanitary condition and general equipment, no criticism 
could be passed. 

Mrs. Buckingham's liberality has meant more to the 
parish than those things which meet the eye. It lifted 
from the congregation a material burden which had 
threatened to diminish its spiritual capacity, for it was 
property poor, and this handicap was dulling its percep- 
tion of its obligations of another sort. 

In the century of construction that began with Dr. 

1 The parish was without a rectory from 1880 to 1903. Dr. 
Ziegenfuss boarded at No. 61 Market street (next the church), at 
No. 58 Market (the former Ruggles-Hooker home), and at the Nelson 
House, and, in 1890, occupied No. 2 Eastman Terrace. Mr. Weikert 
lived in No. 299 Church street, No. 102 Academy and No. 50 Mont- 
gomery. Mr. Cummins rented, first, No. 21 Carroll street, and later 
boarded at the Morgan House. 

260 



THE ALBERT TOWER, Jr., MEMORIAL RECTORY 

Erected 1903 
The Gift of Mr. A. Edward Tower 



I 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Reed's arrival in 1810, Christ Church has been sympa- 
thetically receptive of successive developments in the- 
ology and Churchmanship, in ritual and vestments, and 
in methods of work; the energy of its members planted 
St. Paul's Church and the Church of the Holy Comforter, 
Poughkeepsie; for forty years it conducted a free school; 
it shared in the foundation and support of a free hospital ; 
and its parochial ministrations are hallowed by tender 
and gracious memories. The weak spot in its record is 
the limited assistance it has given to the cause of foreign 
missions, the original source of- which defect has been 
described in preceding pages. ^ 

Today, it finds itself in the midst of changes taking 
place at large and locally, and, alive to its duties and its 
privileges, is doing all that in it lies to adapt itself to its 
environment. The Rector and congregation are at one 
in the belief that this church building, which they have 
inherited from the last generation, should be occupied 
by them as a sacred trust for the people of Poughkeepsie. 
Qualified by its size, its beauty, its location and its 
surroundings for a wide ministry, they would make of it 
a Church home for the unchurched. With no intention 
of proselyting, they are yet striving to practice a Chris- 
tian democracy, one evidence of which is the number of 
popular services provided each year, at which parochial 
lines are obliterated. To transcend sectarianism, to 
deliver a vital message, and to "act in the living Present,'* 
is the standard the parish has set for itself. 

With enthusiasm renewed and strengthened, this 
Church is engaged in a growing work, but it still remains 
for provision to be made for her permanent usefulness. 
It is impossible for us, in 1910, to foretell what obstacles 

1 See above, pp. 137, 174, 179. 

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The Records oj Christ Church 

might obstruct her progress fifty years hence; a half 
century may shift the center of the best residence section 
of the city, which the church now occupies; it will have 
altered the character of the population, if signs already 
visible fail not; it will undoubtedly produce social and 
economic features different from those of our own time. 
Only a sufficient endowment can assure to the parish an 
indefinite continuance of her activity. 

In the hearts of those who love Christ Church, is the 
earnest wish that she may long be an instrument in 
God's hands for good; that from her sanctuary may 
radiate the spiritual influence of a faith which shall rest 
men's souls in Him; and that, in her works, she may be 
glorified by that righteousness which is synonymous 
with Life. 

"Glory of warrior, glory of orator, glory of song, 

Paid with a voice flying by to be lost on an endless sea — 
Glory of Virtue, to fight, to struggle, to right the wrong — 

Nay, but she aim'd not at glory, no lover of glory she: 
Give her the glory of going on, and stiU to be." 



262 



BIOGRAPHIES 

OF 

The Rectors of the Parish, 

Assistants, Curates and 

Ministers in Charge. 



1 



SAMUEL SEABURY, A.M. 

Missionary to Dutchess County 1756-1764 

From the Venerable Society for the Propagation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts 

An account of the life and labors of the Rev. Samuel Seabury, 
Missionary to Dutchess County, properly precedes the biographies of 
the Rectors of Christ Church. 

He was born in 1706, at Groton (now Ledyard), Connecticut, and 
when fourteen years old entered Yale CoUege. While he was stUl an 
undergraduate, much confusion and excitement was created in the 
college, and in the coiomunity at large, by President Cutler's an- 
noimcement that he had renounced his former Puritan form of belief 
and become a convert to Episcopacy. To prevent the interruption 
to his studies which this great upheaval would have caused, young 
Seabury transferred himself from Yale to Harvard, where he was 
graduated in 1724, and whence he received his degree of A.M. three 
years later. 

About 1727 he married Abigail Mumford of New London, and, for a 
time, before and after his marriage, officiated as a licensed preacher 
among the Connecticut Congregationalists. But, his wife being a 
relative of the noted Dr. McSparran of Narragansett, Rhode Island, 
Mr. Seabury's attention was again called to Church subjects, with the 
result that he determined to be Episcopally ordained. 

Li the spring of 1730 he went to England with letters of recommen- 
dation to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel from the Rector 
of Christ Church, Boston, and from Dr. McSparran. He was made 
Deacon and Priest soon after his arrival, and returned at once after 
his ordination to Connecticut, reaching New London December 9th, 
and, shortly after, taking charge of St. James's Church of that place. 

He was Rector of St. James's until December, 1742, when he accepted 
a call to St. George's, Hempstead, Long Island. From Hempstead he 
extended his ministry to Oyster Bay, Huntington, and the countryside 
adjacent, in itinerant form, and, from 1755 to 1762, made several jour- 
neys on horseback to Dutchess County. In 1756 the Society for the 
Propagation of the Gospel appointed him its Missionary to Dutchess 
Coimty, and he held that office till his death in 1764. 

265 



The Records ofChrist Church 

A description of Mr. Seabury's personal appearance was handed 
down by John Bedel, senior warden of St. George's, Hempstead 
(born 1771, died 1863), whose father (one of Mr. Seabury's parishion- 
ers) had given the same to him, Mr. Bedel said: — "My father de- 
scribed him to me, as, seated on a strong sorrel horse, he made his way 
to Oyster Bay and Huntington, with his saddle-bags strapped to his 
saddle. He was strongly built, but not tall, and he had a countenance 
which was intelligent and kindly, and showed decision and firmness. 
He wore a three cornered hat, and small clothes and top boots." 

But, more illuminative of Mr. Seabury's personality than this, is a 
clause in the epitaph upon the stone at his grave in St. George's 
churchyard. After reciting certain biographical details, the inscrip- 
tion states that, "in gratitude to the memory of the best of husbands, 
His disconsolate widow, Elizabeth Seabury, Hath placed this stone." 
Many a man has been a success in his official career, who could not have 
been a comfortable household companion, and, to the reader one hun- 
dred and fifty years later, a very human quality is given the otherwise 
shadowy figure of this colonial clergyman, by the knowledge that he 
was not only an indefatigable worker and missionary, but a man, who, 
in his home relations, won the tenderest affection. 

His widow, who thus bore testimony to his personal character, was 
his second wife. His first wife, Abigail Mumford (the mother of 
Samuel Seabury, 2d, who became the Bishop of Connecticut), died in 
1731, and in 1733 he married Elizabeth Powell of Newport, Rhode 
Island, who survived him many years. 

Mr. Seabury died in 1764 after a protracted illness, during which 
he went to England for treatment. The New York Post Boy re- 
ferred to his death, saying, "Rev. Mr. Seabury died of a nervous dis- 
order and an imposthume in his side, June 15, 1764, aged 58; a gentle- 
man of amiable, exemplary character, greatly and generally beloved 
and lamented." 

AUTHORITIES 

Beardsley's History of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, Vol. 

1, p. 86. 
Anderson's Church of England in the Colonies, Vol. 3, p. 426. 
Moore's History of St. George's Church, Hempstead, pp. 80-106. 



266 



The Records ofChrist Church 

JOHN BEARDSLEY, A.M. 

Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie 
AND OF Trinity Church, Fishkill 

December 21st, 176G, — July 13th, 1776 

John Beardsley was born April 23d, 1732, at Ripton (now Hunting- 
ton), in Fairfield County, Connecticut, a few miles from Stratford. 
He was baptized in infancy by the Rev. Samuel Johnson, Rector of 
Clirist Church, Stratford, who exerted a leading influence over him, as 
he grew older, in shaping his career. 

He prepared for college, and entered Yale at first, but, after two years, 
withdrew to King's, New York, of which Dr. Johnson was President, 
and where he should have graduated with the class of 1761. 

Having decided, however, to take Holy Orders, he did not wait for 
commencement, but in the spring of 1761, in company with Thomas 
Davies and Samuel Andrews, he sailed for England. An honorary 
B. A. was conferred upon him by the college, when his class graduated 
in his absence. He received his degree of Master of Arts from King's 
in 1768, after he had been some years in the ministry. 

Meanwliile, in 1760, the people of Christ Church, Norwich, had, 
by subscription, raised the money for his journey to England, and made 
an agreement with him, that, upon his return, after having been or- 
dained, he should become their minister. He had already "read 
prayers and sermons at Norwich and Groton," and was well known by 
the Rev. Mr. Punderson, Rector of Trinity Church, New Haven (who, 
some years before, had been Rector at Norwich and Groton), and who 
wrote to the Venerable Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, recom- 
mending Mr. Beardsley for the mission. 

At Lambeth, on August 23d, 1761, the Archbishop of Canterbury, 
Dr. Thomas Seeker, ordained Mr. Beardsley, Mr. Davies and Mr. 
Andrews to the Diaconate and, the following day, to the Priesthood. 
It is one of the coincidences, linking together men and events, that the 
descendants of the Rev. Thomas Davies should, in later j^ears, have 
been such earnest workers in Mr. Beardsley's parish at Poughkeepsie. 

Returning from England early in 1762, Mr. Beardsley entered upon 
his Connecticut charge. This consisted of Christ Church, Norwich, 
and St. James's, Poquetanuck village, in what is now the township of 
Ledyard, but was then in the township of Groton, a little south of 
Norwich. Here Mr. Beardsley spent about four years, removing in 
1766 to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where, for ten years, he ministered to 
Christ Church and to Trinity Church, Fishkill. 

267 



The Records oj Christ Church 

His well known Tory sympathies, in the early days of the War of the 
Revolution, provoked an order from the Council of Safety of New York 
for his removal to New York City, then in the hands of the British, 
and, December 13th, 1777, this removal took place. 

He became Chaplain of Beverly Robinson's "Loyal American Regi- 
ment," the muster rolls of which are in the possession of his great-great- 
grandson, the Rev. W. O. Raymond, LL.D., Rector of St. Mary's 
Church, St, John, New Brunswick. Dr. Raymond has much family 
information and manuscript data regarding Mr. Beardsley, and to him 
is due most cordial acknowledgment for valuable letters and for inter- 
est in this present work. 

At the close of the Revolutionary War a great exodus of Loyalists 
took place to Canada. Five thousand of them, in the summer of 1783, 
were gathered on the bleak, bare rocks at the mouth of the St. John 
River, sheltered only by tents or the merest huts, on the spot where 
they were to buUd the city of St. John. 

It is here, among these homeless ones, we next find John Beardsley 
resuming the work of the ministry. He was the first clergyman to 
oflBciate at St. John, and, in that first year of the exile, he frequently 
visited the settlers at Kingston also. 

Late in 1784, he accepted the Rectorship of Christ Church, Mauger- 
ville. New Brunswick, in which he continued eighteen years. He was 
also Chaplain, 1793-1802, of the King's New Brunswick Regiment. 

Although a man of fifty when this new chapter in his life opened, he 
threw himself with a fresh baptism of enthusiasm into the exigencies 
of the situation. He not only fulfilled his ftmctions as a missionary, 
caring for the congregation under his immediate charge and making 
diflficult journeys into- the interior to preach and to baptize, but he 
worked laboriously as a frontiersman, helping the colony to establish 
living conditions for itself in its new abode. 

Mr. Beardsley's distinctive personal traits are well illustrated in 
this period, as also in the years in which he was organizing the mission 
in Dutchess County, New York. Beyond all question, he was a 
man of great energy and industry, of persistency and of a spirit un- 
daunted by obstacles. He was strong-willed and always determined 
to carry his own point, — sometimes without regard to the injustice 
this might work. It is a pity that his management of the business 
matters connected with the glebe and charter at Poughkeepsie was 
so lacking in clearness and accuracy as to have created a cloud of 
uncertainty which it is now impossible entirely to dispel. 

The force and intensity of his personality must have found agreeable 
expression in the main, for, while he was resident at Poughkeepsie, it is 

268 



The Records ojChrist Church 

evident that his personal popularity and influence extended quite 
widely in the community, beyond the limits of his own congregation. 
He was a prominent and active Free Mason, organizing the first Ma- 
sonic Lodge in New Brunswick, of which he became Worthy Master, 
and having been Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of New 
York. 

September 8th, 1798, Mr. Beardsley wrote from Maugerville to John 
Davis at Poughkeepsie, — "As my Children are desirous to have my old 
picture I must request you to Send it with ye maps, if they can be 
conveniently put up in a box together." Nothing is known in New 
Brunswick of this, or any other, likeness of Mr. Beardsley, diligent 
enquiry for one having been made among his descendants. 

Of Mr. Beardsley in his private life, his descendant. Dr. Raymond, 
has said that he was "evidently a firm behever in the fact that 'It is 
not good for man to be alone;' " he is known to have married four times, 
and there is ground for thinking there was a fifth venture, though date 
and place of ceremonj^ are wanting. 

His first wife, Sylvia, was a daughter of the Rev. Ebenezer Punder- 
son, his predecessor at Norwich and Groton. She died soon after they 
settled at Poughkeepsie. He then married (at a date prior to Feb- 
ruary 12th, 1775, when the parish register of Christ Church mentions 
"Gertrude Beardsley" as sponsor at a baptism) Gertrude, daughter 
of Bartholomew Crannell of Poughkeepsie. Whether she lived to 
accompany him and her father to Canada in 1783, is not known; but, 
February 6th, 1786, John Beardsley and "vnfe, Anna," conveyed land 
at St. John, as shown by a deed on file. June 11th, 1800, at Gagetown, 
New Brunswick, Mr. Beardsley married for his fourth wife, Mary 
Quain, a widow. 

The later years of his life, after giving up his Church at Maugerville 
in 1802, he spent at Kingston, New Brunswick, being granted a pension 
by the British Government. 

In 1805, he made the then fatiguing journey from Kingston to Pough- 
keepsie, although seventy-three years old; and, at Poughkeepsie, he 
conducted his own negotiations with the vestry for the settlement of 
his claim to a title to part of the original glebe. 

Mr. Beardsley died on the anniversary of his birthday, April 23d, 
in 1809, aged seventy-seven years. His body was interred beneath 
the chancel of Trinity Church, Kingston. 

Two sons survived him. The elder, John Davis Beardsley, born at 
Poughkeepsie, February 4th, 1771 (the child of his first wife, and the 
namesake of a member of the vestry of Christ Church), died at Wood- 

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The Records of Christ Church 

stock, New Brunswick, in 1852, leaving many descendants living in 
the valley of the St. John River. 

His younger son, Bartholomew Crannell Beardsley, was born at 
Poughkeepsie, October 21st, 1775, and named for his maternal grand- 
father. Bartholomew Crannell Beardsley was a distinguished Cana" 
dian lawyer, and a member of several Provincial Assemblies; he died 
in 1855, and, like his brother, has, today, numerous descendants in New 
Brimswick, of well-known position. 

AUTHORITIES 

Appleton's Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol. 1, p. 207. 

Records of Columbia University. 

Beardsley's History of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, Vol. 1, 

p. 204. 
Jarvis's Church Life in Colonial Connecticut, pp. 41-52, 101- 

102, 175. 
Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 
Minutes of the Council of Safety of New York. 
Sabine's American Loyalists, p. 153. 
Kingston and the Loyalists of 1783, by Walter Bates. Edited by 

the Rev. W. O. Raymond, St. John, 1889. 
Private papers of the Rev. W. O. Raymond, LL.D., St. John, N. B 



HENRY VAN DYCK, A.M., D.D. 

Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie 
AND OF Trinity Church, Fishkill 

May 27th, 1787,— April 10th, 1791 

On the 3d of August, 1785, the first ordination by a Bishop within 
the limits of the United States was held at Middletown, Connecticut. 

The Right Reverend Samuel Seabury, first Bishop of Connecticut, 
had, in June preceding, returned to America from Scotland, after having 
been consecrated at Aberdeen by Scotch nonjuring Bishops, on 
November 14th, 1784. 

Four candidates for Holy Orders presented themselves before Bishop 
Seabury at Middletown. One of these (he whose name stands first on 
the list) became, soon after. Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 

Henry Van Dyck was born in 1744 in New York City. After grad- 
uating from King's College in the class of 1761, he studied law, and in 
1764 received his Master's degree from his Alma Mater. 

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The Records oj Christ Church 

In establishing himself in the practice of his profession he removed 
to Stratford, Connecticut, where, August 9th, 1767, he married Huldah 
Lewis. A month after their marriage he and his wife became com- 
municants in Christ Church, Stratford, whose Rector, the Rev. Dr. 
Samuel Johnson, had been President of King's College when Mr. Van 
Dyck was a student there. 

Until about the time of the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Mr. 
Van Dyck continued his practice of law, although not with financial 
success. His interest in the Church increasing, he began to serve as a 
lay reader, being mentioned in that capacity at Milford in 1776. Dur- 
ing the war his residence and occupation are somewhat uncertain, but, 
in 1784, the year after peace was declared, he visited Poughkeepsie, 
held service in Christ Church, and entered into negotiations with the 
vestry regarding the Rectorship of the parish. 

Having been ordained Deacon by Bishop Seabury, at Middletown, 
August 3d, 1785, and, on September 16th following, having been ad- 
mitted to Priest's Orders also, he was about to enter upon the charge of 
the Poughkeepsie and Fishkill congregations, when difficulty arose over 
the so-called Trespass Act of New York State. Mr. Van Dyck was in 
debt to a man named Arden of New York City, who pressed his claim 
and invoked the above law in his behalf. By means of this, should Mr. 
Van Dyck become a resident within the state, Arden could cause his 
arrest and imprisonment. A tedious delay followed, which ultimately 
was terminated when the New York laws were amended; under which 
change in the code, and through the good offices of the vestry of Christ 
Church and of the Hon. Egbert Benson (former Attorney-General) , a 
settlement was effected with the creditor. 

This delay lasted, however, from the summer of 1785 to the spring of 
1787, in which interval Mr. Van Dyck accepted the care of the Churches 
in Milford and West Haven, Connecticut, and was in residence at Mil- 
ford from May, 1786. At the end of a year in this charge, he came to 
Poughkeepsie and took up the joint Rectorship of Christ Church and 
of Trinity, Fishkill, on Whitsunday (May 27th), 1787. The call 
extended to him provided that he should divide his labors equally be- 
tween the two parishes. 

He remained at Poughkeepsie until April 10th, 1791, when he 
preached his farewell sermon before removing to Perth Amboy, New 
Jersey. There he succeeded the Rev. George H. Spierin as Rector of 
St. Peter's, at the same time having Christ Church, New Brunswick, 
in his care. 

The year of this settlement, 1791, he was made a Trustee of Queen'vS 
(now Rutgers) College, New Brunswick, continuing on the Board until 

271 



The Records ojChrist Church 

his death. Queen's conferred upon him in 1792 the degree of Doctor 
of Divinity. 

In July, 1793, he accepted the Rectorship of St. Mary's Church, 
Burlington, but in 1797 went to St. James's Church, Newtown, Long 
Island. 

While he was in Bm-Ungton the death of his mother, who had long 
made her home with him, occurred, and, also, in that short period, he 
lost two daughters. 

His Rectorship at Newtown was his last; he held it for five years, 
having no settled parish from 1802 until his death in 1804. 

The New York Evening Post of September 17th, 1804, published 
the following obituary of Dr. Van Dyck: 

Died, early this morning, the Rev. Henry Van Dyck, aged 
sixty, one of the clergy of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 
and formerly rector of St. James' Church, Newtown. 

He was possessed of an affectionate heart and excellent 
understanding. He discharged with zeal, fidelity and ability, 
the duties of his, calling. In private Ufe he was esteemed by 
ah to whom he was known. 

Funeral this afternoon at five o'clock from his house, No. 4 
Cedar street. New York, where his friends and acquaintances 
are invited to attend. 

The parochial manuscripts of Christ Church show that Dr. Van 
Dyck was a man of education and abiUty. His handwriting is ex- 
cellent, and he expressed himself with ease, in temperament, these 
same manuscripts would indicate him to have been a man of positive 
make-up, warm hearted and kind, but also warm tempered. In con- 
tact with men in the vestry, possessed of similar characteristics, there 
were occasional conflagrations, which, however, burned out as quickly 
as they ignited. The poverty of the times was always the root cause 
of difficulty for both. 

A pen-picture of Dr. Van Dyck is afforded by a reference to him made 
by John Davis, a chance traveller through Newtown, who published 
an account of his journeyings : 

I was fortunate enough to procure lodgings at Newtown under 
the roof of the Episcopal minister, Mr. Vandyke. The par- 
sonage house was not unpleasantly situated. The porch was 
shaded by a couple of huge locust trees and accommodated with 
a long bench. Here I often sat with my host, who always wore 

272 



The Records ofChrist Church 

the cassock. Mr. Vandyke was at least sixty; yet if a colt, a 
pig, or any other quadruped, entered his paddock, he sprang 
from his seat with more than youthful agility and vociferously 
chased the intruder from his domain. I could not but smile to 
behold the parson running after a pig and mingling his cries 
with those of the animal. 

If "the parson" wore his cassock when making these forays, the men- 
tal picture of him thus presented will draw a smile from others beside 
John Davis. 

Two children of Dr. Van Dyck survived him, a daughter, who died 
unmarried, and a son, Richard Van Dyck, who died in 1856, leaving 
a large family. 

AUTHORITIES 

Address by the Rev. Dr. E. E. Beardsley, published as part of the 
proceedings of The Seabury Centenary, pp. 123-128, 
Pott & Company, 1885. 

John Davis's Travels of four Years and a half in the United States, 
(1798-1802), p. 155. 

Hills's History of the Church in Burlington, p. 339. 

Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 



GEORGE HARTWELL SPIEREN, A.M. 

Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie 
AND OF Trinity Church, Fishkill 

November 13th, 1792, — December 9th, 1795 

Mr. Spierin's ecclesiastical biography begins at Perth Amboy, New 
Jersey, where, in June, 1788, while he was serving as lay reader and also 
teaching school, St. Peter's Church called him to be its Rector so soon as 
he should have received Holy Orders. 

Accordingly, on the 9th of July, 1788, he was ordained Deacon by 
Bishop Provoost of New York, in St. Peter's Church, Perth Amboy, 
this being the first ordination in the Protestant Episcopal Church to 
take place in New Jersey. His admission to the Priesthood followed, 
on July 18th, in St. Paul's Chapel, New York City. 

He held the Rectorship of St. Peter's, Perth Amboy, from 1788 to 
1790, accepting in the latter year the united parishes of St. George's, 
Newburgh, and St. Andrew's, Walden, N. Y. During this incumbency, 
he founded and conducted the Newburgh Academy. 

273 



The Records oj Christ Church 

From Newburgh he came to Poughkeepsie, assuming charge of Christ 
Church as Rector on November 13th, 1792. He probably officiated on 
the first two Sundays in November, for, on October 31st, the vestry 
voted to ask liim to give notice to the congregation on the two succeed- 
ing Sundays that, on the second Tuesday in November, the pews would 
be sold at auction for a year. This sale was held at the church, and, 
immediately after it, the "Vestry adjourned from the church to the 
house of Thomas Poole, where they met the Rev. George H. Spierin, 
who was introduced by the Wardens to Vestry, and Inducted as Rector 
of this Church & took his seat accordingly." "A paper was read by 
Mr. Emott, containing the Terms of Mr. Spierin's Settlement, which 
was agreed upon." The agreement provided that Mr. Spierin should 
officiate in Christ Church two Sundays out of every three, and that he 
was to receive a salary of £80 a year, plus "the farther sum of £20 a 
year, provided paj'ments by individuals to the Corporation for the sup- 
port of the Rev. George H. Spierin amount to £100 a year." 

Just at this time, the Corporation had sold the glebe to John and 
Andrew Dunn, so there was no house to offer Mr. Spierin, and this 
want of a parsonage ultimately led to his resignation. It is not known 
where he lived while in Poughkeepsie, nor do the records of Christ 
Church show what agreement was entered into between him and 
Trinity Church, Fishkill, where he gave one third of his time. 

While at Newburgh, and while at Poughkeepsie, Mr. Spierin was a 
regular attendant at the sessions of the Diocesan Convention, and in 
October, 1792, received the thanks of that body for his sermon preached 
before it. In 1794 he was elected to the standing committee of the 
diocese, and in 1795 was chosen a delegate to the General Conven- 
tion of the Church. 

Mr. Spierin is but few times referred to in the records of Christ 
Church, and what part he may have borne in the conduct of parochial 
affairs is not indicated. A letter of November 13th, 1794, from him to 
the vestry is preserved, the handwriting of which is peculiarly uniform, 
clear and fine, while the tone of the conmiunication suggests q, man 
of modest, conciliating disposition, who was bearing with patience 
circumstances undeniably trying. This letter is the only hint of Mr. 
Spierin's personality. He said : 

Gentn' 

When I had the honor of being called in the char'a of pastor 
to reside amongst you, that friendship, which seemed to cement 
^ us, was the only voucher I had required to strengthen any con- 

tract; being determined, as I still am, when that ceased, not 

274 



The Records oj Christ Church 

(to) render either you or myself unhappy, or to bring a reflec- 
tion on that cause the advancement of which is my most ear- 
nest pursuit. That friendship, I trust, still continues inviolate. 
On my part I pledge myself never to willingly or knowingly 
forfeit her smiles. 

I expected that the sunamer after my arrival here I w'd have 
a house built for me or the rent of one paid for; the third win- 
ter is at hand and no stich provision made. The pittance I 
have had from the Church, a pittance unparalleled anj^where, 
w'd be no mighty allowance in these exorbitant times for 
House-rent and firewood. The Academy, upon the arrange- 
ment likely to take place, deranges my expectations. The 
times are hard, the labor great. 

These circumstances, duly considered, will, I hope, prove a 
suffic't Apology for my requesting to know if my house-rent 
in future will be paid.'* If the subscription paper will be hand- 
ed about to those Gent'n who wish to subscribe.'* 

The omission of this last bore the resemblance of a disappro- 
bation, or dislike, to me, as it w'd be advancing me with't much 
trouble or expence to you. If this should be the case, I'll be 
thankful to be made acquainted with it, that I may save my- 
self and you from many a wound, ever attendant on such a 
Sit'n, by a conduct that w'd finally terminate it. 

I could wish, as I intend to extricate myself from difficulties 
as soon as possible, that you w'd endeavor to clear off whats 
past, that I may arrange my little affairs in future to more ad- 
vantage. 

I am Gent'n with Sentiments of affect'n & Esteem 
Your very H'ble & ob't Serv't 

Geo. H. Spierin. 

The reply of the vestry informed him of active measures taken to 
obtain subscriptions, and of their "wish to express our best wishes for 
your welfare, & nothing but our inability prevents us from antici- 
pating your most ardent wishes. You will do us injustice if you sup- 
pose our friendship less ardent than yours; may you long continue 
an eminent pastor in the Church is the sincere wish of your affect. 
Bretheren." 

But circumstances were too strongly against the prosperity of the 
parish at this time, for Mr. Spierin's fortunes to be much bettered, and, 
on December 9th, 1795, he "informed Vestry of his intention in Quiting 
this place in a few days to go to Virginia." 

275 



The Records ofChrist Church 

In 1796 he represented St. Asaph's parish, Carohne County, in the 
Convention of the Diocese of Virginia, and also presided over an 
academy in the neighborhood, but remained little more than a year, as, 
on January 6th, 1798, he was elected Rector of Prince George's parish, 
Winyaw, South Carolina. There, too, he superintended a seminary. 
In 1802 he resigned this charge to accept that of Grace Church, Sulli- 
van's Island, Charleston Harbor. He died at Sullivan's Island, Sep- 
tember 12th, 1804, of yellow fever, after four days' illness, and was 
buried in the cemetery of St. Philip's Church, Charleston. 

Dr. Frederick Dalcho, a resident of Charleston 1799-1836, and 
Assistant Minister in St. Michael's Church, there, for many years, 
published in 1820 a History of the Protestant Episcopal Church in 
South Carolina. He said: "Mr. Spierin was descended from a re- 
spectable family in Ireland, and was a graduate of Trinity College, 
Dublin. He left his native country in 1787, and arrived in New York 
early in November." 

As Dr. Dalcho had every opportunity of knowing Mr. Spierin per- 
sonally, this statement, though otherwise unsupported, is worthy of 
acceptance. Dr. Dalcho adds that grief for the death, in 1802, of a son 
of much promise, so undermined Mr. Spierin's health, that he fell an 
easy victim to an attack of yellow fever. 

It does not appear whether Mr, Spierin left descendants. The name 
is not known in Charleston at the present time. 

AUTHORITIES 

Whitehead's History of Perth Amboy, pp. 233-234. 
Clayton's History of Union and Middlesex Counties, N. J, 
Dix: History of Trinity Parish, New York City, Vol. 2, p. 127. 
Headley's History of Orange County, N. Y., pp. 613-614, 630. 
Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 

Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of New York, 1790-1795. 
Meade's OZci Churches, etc., of Virginia, pub. 1'857, Vol. 1, p. 414. 
Dalcho's History of the Church in South Carolina, pp. 308, 317, 396. 



JOHN JOHNSON SAYRS, A.M. 

Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie 
AND OF Trinity Church, Fishkill 

December 25th, 1795, — February 14th, 1798 

John Johnson Sayrs was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1774, and 
was educated at Princeton. He graduated with the class of 1792, and 
received his Master's degree in 1795. 

276 



The Records of Christ Church 

December 25th, 1795, he succeeded Mr. Spierin in the Rectorship of 
Christ Church, the vestry entering into an engagement with "the Rev. 
Mr. John J. Sayrs," to officiate three Sundays out of every four until 
December 25th, 1796, for which services he was to receive £120.0.0. 

The fact that Mr. Sayrs entered into this engagement at the time 
that he did is of some importance in connection with the confusion 
which exists regardmg the date of his ordination. 

A List of Persons admitted to Orders from 17 S 5, pubhshed many 
years ago by Bishop Burgess, states that John Johnson Sayrs was 
"ordained" in 1801 by Bishop Clagett of Maryland. Sprague's Annals 
of the American Pulpit {Episcopal), p. 407, says Mr. Sayrs was ordained 
"Deacon and Priest" by Bishop Clagett. If these authorities are cor- 
rect, then, while in Poughkeepsie, Mr. Sayrs was a lay reader only. 
However, Dr. Ethan Men's Clergy in Maryland of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church since 1783, published in 1860, says Mr. Sayrs was 
"ordamed" by Bishop White of Pennsylvania m 1792, and this sug- 
gests, as a solution of the difficulty, that, in 1792, young Sayrs of Prince- 
ton was made Deacon by Bishop White, in which capacity he ministered 
to the congregations at Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, later, upon his 
removal to Maryland, receiving Priest's Orders from Bishop Clagett 
in 1801. Bishop White's original ordination records would probably 
settle this uncertamty, but search has failed to discover them. 

When John J. Sayrs came to Poughkeepsie, he was a youth of twenty- 
one. Richard Davis and William Emott were the wardens of the 
parish, middle-aged men of positive character, who had long held the 
reins of parochial affairs. The vestry was made up of other men of the 
same sort, and it is small wonder that we have no knowledge of the 
young incumbent, personally, from contemporary references. The 
vestry records show the ordering of all material concerns by that body 
without consultation with him. He left behmd him a manuscript 
record of baptisms, marriages and burials, at which he officiated while 
here, judging from which he would seem to have been active in his 
pastoral capacity. 

At the expiration of his first year in Poughkeepsie, the standing 
committee of the vestry resolved unanimously that, in their opinion, 
"the Rev. John J. Sayrs has conducted with propriety in his vocation 
in this Church, and that we are desirous of entering into farther en- 
gagements with him as a Clergyman." February 14th, 1797, the vestry 
voted to "pay to the Rev'd John J. Sayrs £140 salary for one year's 
service as Rector in this Church for the ensuing year, provided he will 
accept the same for three-fourths of his time," which offer Mr. SajTs 
did accept. 

277 



The Records ofChrist Church 

December 7th, 1797, "the Reverend Mr. Sayrs our present Rector 
signified to the Vestry his intention to decline a Call in the Church the 
ensuing year." From Poughkeepsie, in 1798, Mr. Sayrs went south, being 
called to the Rectorship of Durham Parish, Charles County, Maryland, 
on January 14th, 1799. Here he remained about four years, when, his 
health failing somewhat, he gave up his parish, and removed to George- 
town, in the District of Columbia. He had married, while in Durham 
Parish, Miss Sophia Sprake, and, at first, after going to Georgetown, 
supported his family by teaching. Then, by his preaching and in- 
fluence, he was the means of founding and organizing St. John's parish, 
Georgetown, becoming Rector of the same, and also, in 1806 and 1807, 
Chaplain of the United States Senate. 

Mr. Sayrs died January 6th, 1809, in his thirty-fifth year, leaving a 
widow and two sons. One son died unmarried; the other, John 
Johnson Sayrs, Jr., has descendants now living in Virginia. 

At the time of Mr. Sayrs's death he was Rector of St. John's, George- 
town. His body was buried beneath the chancel of that chiu-ch, and 
Francis Scott Key, one of his vestry, wrote the following lines which 
mark his resting-place : 

John J. Sayrs 

huj: Eclae. 

Rector pri: 

hie 

quo servus Christi 

fideUter Ministravit, 

Sep: jac: 

ob. 6 Jan. A.D. MDCCCIX 

AE XXXV 

Here once stood forth a man, who from the world. 

Though bright its aspect to his youthful eye, 

Turned with affection ardent to his God, 

And lived and died an humble minister 

Of His benignant purposes to man. 

Here lies he now — yet grieve not thou for him. 

Reader, he trusted in that love where none 

Have ever vainly trusted. Rather let 

His marble speak to thee: and shouldst thou feel 

The rising of a new and solemn thought 

Waked by this sacred place, and sad memorial, 

O listen to its impulse — 'tis Divine 

And it shall guide thee to a life of joy, 

A death of hope, and endless bliss hereafter. 

278 



The Records of Christ Church 

AUTHORITIES 

Sayrs Genealogy, by Theodore M. Banta, 1901, pp. 106, 196. 

Records of Princeton University. 

Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 

Records of Durham Parish, Charles County, Md., deposited 

in the Maryland Diocesan Library, Baltimore, Md. 
Bishop Burgess's List of Persons admitted to Orders. 
Allen's Clergy in Maryland of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 
Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit (Episcopal), p. 407. 



PHILANDER CHASE, D.D. 

Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie 
AND of Trinity Church, Fishkill 

November 27th, 1799, — December — , 1805 

Philander Chase, who served Christ Church as its fifth Rector, ia 
conspicuous in the history of the Church in the United States. 

Down that perspective his figure looms, gigantic, masterful, romantic. 
Large in body, in character, in deed, dominant of will and suggestive 
of the elder days of daring and adventure, the man himself stands out 
above the facts of his career. 

Briefly recounted, those life facts are these. Bom at Cornish, New 
Hampshire, December 14 th, 1775, he graduated at Dartmouth College 
in 1795. A year as a teacher in the Albany Academy, during which 
he was under the friendly care and clerical instruction of the Rev. 
Mr. Ellison, Rector of St. Peter's, Albany, led to his ordination to the 
Diaconate on Jime 10th, 1798, by Bishop Provoost in New York City. 

He began his work in the Church at once, in what were then out- 
lying portions of the Diocese of New York, travelling from place to 
place as a missionary, and founding parishes. At Utica, at Auburn, 
at Canandaigua and other places, his labor bore fruit in organized con- 
gregations. 

Being called as Rector to the joint parishes at Poughkeepsie and 
Fishkill. he accepted the charge, and, after receiving Priest's Orders 
from Bishop Provoost in New York on November 10th, assumed this 
cure on November 27th, 1799. 

He left Poughkeepsie in October, 1805, and went to New Orleans, 
where he organized the parish of Christ Church, and held the Rector- 
ship thereof until 1811. Returning north, in order that his children 
might be educated in New England, he was Rector of Christ Church, 
Hartford, 1811-1817. 

279 



The Records ofCkrist Church 

In 1817 he went to Ohio, where the Episcopal Church was unknown, 
and where the conditions were still those of the frontier. February 1 1th, 
1819, he was consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, which he had 
newly-created. He resigned this Bishopric in 1831, pushed west still 
farther, and, in 1835, was made Bishop of Illinois. He was the Presiding 
Bishop of the Church from 1843 until his death, September 20th, 1852. 
In 1822 Columbia conferred upon him the degree of D.D. 

The moving impulse of Bishop Chase's life and character was the 
missionary spirit which flamed within him. And this missionary zeal 
seemed ever to be demanding fresh fields and wider opportunities 
for its energies. He was restless under settled conditions, and wished 
always to be breaking new ground. In going to New Orleans, his task 
was the organization of a parish where none had been before. He 
chafed under the calm of parochial life in Hartford, and from thence 
fared forth to plant the Church in Ohio. There he organized parishes 
(assuming, himself, the Rectorship of three and the charge of an 
academy), travelled here and there in the sparsely settled country, 
lived in most primitive quarters, performed all manner of manual labor, 
and endured all varieties of hardship and privation. 

Bishop Burgess of Maine wrote^ of him, shortly after his death: — • 
"There was in Bishop Chase an element of what may be termed ro- 
mance. He was struck with the striking, the touching, the morally 
picturesque view of a transaction. He appeared to love those 

duties which involved some adventure and exposure, some appeal to 
the imagination, and some requisition upon both muscular and 
mental energies." 

Soon after he became Bishop of Ohio he went to England (in the 
face of much disapproval of his act) to solicit funds to found and 
endow a college and theological seminary. He returned with thirty 
thousand dollars, and Kenyon College and Gambler Seminary are the 
result. 

In 1831 a difference arose between him and some of his clergy re- 
garding the extent of his power of jurisdiction over the college and its 
faculty, and he resigned, both as President of Kenyon and as Bishop 
of Ohio. This was wholly characteristic. Bishop Burgess said^ 
further of him : "It was given him to lead ; and he was impatient when 
men were slow to follow. He identified himself with his work, and, if 
he were thwarted or contradicted, it was not always easy for him to 
feel that it could have been in Christian sincerity. Few men were 
readier to forgive; but the very warmth with which he laid hold in a 

1 Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit [Episcopal), pp. 
453-462. 

280 



The Records ofChrist Church 

good cause, and the consciousness of his own simplicity of purpose, 
would not permit him to regard otherwise than as personal opponents 
some who wished well to his undertakings, but withheld their confidence 
from some of his decisions." 

Bishop Smith of Kentucky, writing^ in 1857 of Bishop Chase, speaks 
of the impression made upon him, at their first meeting in 1828, of the 
huge size of the latter, whose massive form and majestic height, were 
set off by his costume which consisted of a cassock, and a velvet skull 
cap. He describes the quick and nervous play of all the muscles of 
the face of Bishop Chase, a certain archness of expression, and a child- 
light in his eye. Bishop Smith says^ also: "The firm, persistent 
traits of his character were well expressed by his personal appearance, 
but not its intensity. This intensity was so gushing and impetuous, 
that it either carried everything before it, and repelled the listless and 
indifferent from his track, or aroused a positive resistance. Where he 
was, others were more likely to hear, than to be heard. Such 

tenacity of purpose, and indomitable firmness of will, within this age 
has probably not had its equal, except in the case of the great Wellington 
or the late Emperor of all the Russias. And, however severe may be the 
criticism which time and experience may pass upon the wisdom and 
expediency of some of his plans and measures, the manner in which he 
rose above diflaculties, surmounted obstacles, and even turned reverses 
to good account, will awaken the admiration of all who follow his 
footsteps, or study his character." 

Bishop Chase married in 1796 Mary, daughter of Daniel Fay of 
Hardwick, Massachusetts. She died in 1818. In 1819 he married 
Sophia May, daughter of Duncan Ingraham of Philadelphia, who sur- 
vived him. He had several children, and his Life has recently been 
written by a granddaughter. 

AUTHORITIES 

Appleton's Cyclopaedia of American Biography, Vol. 1, pp. 584-585. 
Life of Philander Chase, by Laura Chase Smith, 1903. 
Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 

1 Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit (Episcopal), pp. 
458-462. 



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BARZILLAI BULKLEY 

Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie 
AND OF Trinity Church, Fishkill 

August 17th, 1806, — August 17th, 1809 

Of the sixth Rector of Christ Church but the merest outline of a 
biographical sketch is obtainable. He was born January 22d, 1780, of a 
family founded in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in the earliest days 
of the colony, by the Rev. Peter Bulkley, a noted Congregational 
preacher. The homestead of the branch of the family to which 
Bafzillai Bulkley belonged was in the town of New Fairfield, and his 
father, Jonathan Bulkley, attended St. John's Church, in the ad- 
joining town of New Milford. 

It is not known where Mr. Bulkley was educated, nor where he was 
prepared for the ministry, but he was made Deacon in June, 1805, by 
Bishop Jarvis of Connecticut, at Middletown. 

For a year after Mr. Bulkley's ordination he had no parish. A 
manuscript sermon of his is endorsed by him as having been preached 
at Fairfield on August 18th; at Bedford on October 13th; at New 
Milford on November 10th, 1805; at Troy on May 11th, 1806, and at 
Poughkeepsie on June 15th, 1806. 

It may be inferred that this oft-repeated discourse was well received, 
for his visit to Poughkeepsie, and its delivery, led to his being called to the 
Rectorship of Christ Church, vacant since the departure of Mr. Chase. 

Articles of agreement, which were drawn between the Church and 
Mr. Bulkley, provided that his rectorate should date from August 
17th, 1806; he was to have the use of the parsonage house and lot, 
and $300.00 for one year; thereafter, $200.00 a year (unless the 
subscriptions could be increased to $300.00); and was to serve Christ 
Church two Sundays in succession out of every three, and Festivals 
and Holy Days ta the same proportion. 

The Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of New York 
for October, 1806, records Mr. Bulkley as officiating at Poughkeepsie 
in Deacon's Orders. It has been impossible to learn when, or by 
whom, he was advanced to the Priesthood. 

In August, 1809, at the end of his third year, Mr. Bulkley and the 
vestry of Christ Church dissolved their relations by mutual consent. 
Mr. Bulkley next settled at Flushing, Long Island, where he was 
Rector of St. George's Church from 1810 until his death, March 29th, 
1820. His body was buried on Good Friday beneath the chancel of 
the church. Bishop Hobart officiating at the funeral. 



The Records of Christ Church 

In his Convention address that year, Bishop Hobart, said : "I have 
to record the death of the Reverend Barzillai Bulkley, Rector of St. 
George's, Flushing, who united in an eminent degree primitive Church 
principles with primitive humihty and piety." 

On the south wall of the chancel of the Flushing church is a tablet 
bearing an inscription, the last line of which might receive revision. 

In memory of 

Rev. Barzillai Bulkley, 

Rector of St. George's Church, Flushing, 

Who departed this life the 29th of March, 1820, 

Having been in charge of this parish 

For the ten years preceding his death. 

This monument is erected to his memory 

, By his surviving widow. 

Mr. Bulkley had no children. His widow, whose maiden name was 
Mary Girnn, died at her birthplace. New Milford, Coimecticut, July 
21st, 1866, aged eighty-one, and his nearest representative at present 
is a great-niece, resident at Brookfield, Connecticut. His brother, 
William J. Bulkley, also a Church clergyman, ministered in the West 
Indies, and left descendants. 

AUTHORITIES 

Private records in the Bulkley family. 

Bishop Burgess's List of Persons admitted to Orders. 

Historical Sketch, Holy Trinity Parish, Middletown, Ct. 

Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 

Records of St. George's Church, Flushing, L. I. 

Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of New York, 1806, 1820 



JOHN REED, A.M., S.T.D. 

Rector of Christ Church 

August 19th, 1810, — July 6th, 1845 

John Reed was born at Wickford, Rhode Island, June 4th, 1777, 
From his early youth he wished to enter the ministry, and when he was 
sixteen years old began to teach, in order to earn the money to obtain a 
collegiate education. He was prepared for college under the Rev. Dr. 
Benedict of Plaiufield, Connecticut, and entered Union, where he was 



The Records ojChrist Church 

graduated in 1805. The records of Union mention his receiving, later, 
the degree of A.M., but omit to state in what year. 

He studied theology the year following his graduation, and on May 
27th, 1806, was admitted to Deacon's Orders by Bishop Moore of New 
York. St. Luke's Church, Catskill, New York, then called him to its 
Rectorship, and he accepted the call, and entered upon the charge, al- 
though it was two years before he was advanced to the Priesthood. He 
received Priest's Orders from Bishop Moore, June 17th, 1808. 

In 1810 he was called to Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, his settlement 
as Rector of the parish being effected August 19th of that year, and his 
earnest and devoted labors continuing in this one field until his death, 
thirty-five years later. 

At the time of his death he was a Trustee of the General Theological 
Seminary, and had been such for about nineteen years. In 1822 the 
degree of S.T.D. was conferred upon him by Columbia, and in 1835 
he represented the Diocese of New York in the General Convention, 
having previously been elected an alternate delegate to the Convention 
of 1832. 

In Dr. Reed's life and character the most conspicuous quality was his 
consecration of spirit in the pastoral relation. Throughout the tliirty- 
five years of his association with Christ Church, he was constant and 
unvarying in his devotion to his people. 

It has sometimes been thought that he was an autocrat within the 
bounds of his parochial kingdom. Rather, let it be said that he exer- 
cised a beneficent paternalism. While, beyond doubt, it is true that 
he did direct and control the affairs of the parish himself, to a pre- 
ponderant extent, it is also true that this was the natural outgrowth of 
his heart-attitude, which was that of the faithful and self-sacrificing 
parent with his children. 

His feeling on this point is clearly shown by his own words in his 
farewell sermon to the congregation, February 23d, 1845. The text 
of the sermon was "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem," and, in speaking 
of the "Peace of God which passeth aU understanding," he said : 

The fed flock goes forth from the sanctuary under the 
blessing of the Heavenly Father, pronounced by His author- 
ized servant. * * * And he, who pronounces this benediction, 
remembering in whose name and by whose authority he speaks, 
and reflecting on the redeemed of God in whose behalf he is 
acting, must have his soul deeply solemnized, and must feel 
it to be the desire of his heart that, when he shall be finally 
separated from his flock, he may leave the Church Mihtant, 

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and deliver over to his Master his spiritual charge with this 
benediction on his heart and tongue.* * * When I first came 
among you, I publicly told you that I came to serve you in the 
most momentous of all human relations, and in discharging my 
duties to live and die with you ; and that I was determined to 
know nothing among you save Jesus Christ, and Him cruci- 
fied. 

In his letter to the vestry in 1842, asking for an assistant, he said: 

I hope it will not be understood by this communication 
that I wish to be relieved from any labor which God shall 
give me ability to perform. I came among you in the first in- 
stance to live, to labor and to die with you. That is still my 
intention and wish. 

Intellectually, Dr. Reed's attainments were solid and substantial, 
rather than brilliant; logical, rather than imaginative. Dr. Brown, 
who for many years was Rector of St. George's, Newburgh, and a close 
friend of Dr. Reed's, said^ of him : 

His mental processes were rather deliberate, and hence he 
rarely had occasion to reverse or set aside his conclusions. He 
was not only a careful observer of what was passing in the 
world around him, but he was also, for a parish minister, a 
diligent student, — he kept himself acquainted with the various 
phases of theological opinion, which were developed during 
his ministry. * * * His excellent judgment and great pru- 
dence made him an admirable counsellor. These same qual- 
ities gave him great influence beyond the more immediate 
sphere of his labours. His brethren in the ministry attached 
great importance to his opinion, and it may safely be said that 
he was among the more influential ministers of the Diocese. 
The type of his Churchmanship was as nearly like that of 
Bishop Hobart as of any other man. He was an Episcopa- 
lian, not only from education but from thorough conviction; 
but he was willing that others should enjoy the liberty that 
he claimed for himself. 

If in Churchmanship Dr. Reed resembled Bishop Hobart, of the 
latter it has been said that "he was one of the High Churchmen of his 
day, and admitted no compromise in regard to the opinions he held as 
an Episcopalian; but he was still in the most agreeable relations with 
many clergymen of other communions." 

1 Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit (Episcopal), pp. 506-509. 

285 



The Records of Christ Church 

The History of Trinity Parish speaks of the friendship between 
Bishop Hobart and Dr. Reed, saying that the latter, "a frequent cor- 
respondent of the Bishop, always wrote to him in the frankest manner 
possible; his letters are therefore worthy of consideration as revealing 
not only his own feelings, but undercurrents of those times which it is 
hard to realize today." 

Dr. Nott, President of Union, under whom Dr. Reed graduated, 
wrote^ of him : 

During his entire life, he not only fulfilled the duties of his 
oflSce to the satisfaction of a large and most respectable con- 
gregation, containing many learned and distinguished men, 
but he was considered a wise and prudent counsellor, and exert- 
ed a powerful and extensive influence in the measures adopted 
and the acts performed by the Church to which he belonged. 

He retained to the last his aflfectionate regard for his Alma 
Mater, and the charm of his character was that, though 
a true Churchman, he never misrepresented the doctrines, 
or under-rated the talents, or impugned the motives 
of those who differed from him. Claiming in matters of faith 
to think for himself, he freely conceded the exercise of the same 
right to others, and ever recognized and treated other evan- 
gelical denominations as brethren in the bonds of a common 
Christianity, so that he not only lived to the end of his useful 
life in peace with all good men, but died lamented by the 
whole community. 

Dr. Reed's own writings support the testimony of Dr. Nott and Dr. 
Brown that he was a High Churchman. He published a small work 
in defence of the Episcopate, and his farewell sermon, already referred 
to, contains passages indicating his ecclesiastical position, and showing 
his familiarity with the Oxford Movement and (by inference) 
approval of the same. 

In the last years of his life Dr. Reed suflFered several paralytic strokes, 
and became unable to perform the active duties of the ministry. 
He died Jtdy 6th, 1845, and his body was buried at the northwest 
corner of the present church square, where a monument was erected 
to his memory. The vestry placed a marble mural tablet in the 
church, "in testimony of the universal affection and veneration of the 
Parish," and his daughter gave a circular window picturing the Good 
Shepherd, which is in the present parish house. 

l„Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit (^Episcopal), pp. 506-509. 

286 



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The Journal and Eagle of Poughkeepsie, in its issue following his 
death, made an obituary of him one of its most important items, an 
act of much significance then, when papers printed almost no local news : 

Death of the Rev. Dr. Reed. On Sunday evening last the 
Rev. John Reed, D.D., of this village, died at his residence 
in Cannon street at the age of 68 years. 

The departure of no individual resident among us could have 
made so great a vacuum in Society as that of the venerated 
clergyman whose death we today record. For nearly forty 
years he had filled the office of Rector of Christ Church in this 
place, and during all that period was not only most devotedly 
attached to the flock over which he was placed, but as warmly 
beloved by that flock, and all with whom he had intercourse. 

In the faithful discharge of his duties as a minister of Christ, 
his labours were greatly blest to the Church, and his charities 
and kind attentions to the poor, especially in times of distress, 
sickness, sorrow and death, were so constant and untiring 
that his place can scarcely be filled by another. 

As a minister and as a private gentleman, no man was ever 
more respected by the Christian community of all denomina- 
tions. To all, especially his own Church, the loss is one that 
can never be repaired. 

Dr. Reed married in his young manhood Susan Robinson, of Plain- 
field, Connecticut, who died in 1832, leaving two sons and one 
daughter, the wife of Thomas L. Da vies of Poughkeepsie. 

February 9th, 1834, Dr. Reed married, for his second wife. Miss 
Elizabeth Parkinson of Poughkeepsie, a woman of years and of means, 
who survived him, dying May 8th, 1858, aged about eighty. 

Until his second marriage he lived in the parsonage, on the corner of 
Academy and Cannon streets; after it, he occupied a house, owned by 
his wife, on Cannon street. This house, in which he died, stood op- 
posite the home of the late senior warden, Mr. Cornwell, but it has 
long since been taken down, and the lot is vacant. 

AUTHORITIES 

Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit {Episcopal), pp. 452, 

506-509. 
Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 
Dix: History of Trinity Parish, Vol. 3, p. 200. 
Appleton's Cyclopoedia of American Biography , Vol. 5, p. 208. 

The Churchman, July 26th, 1845. 

The Journal and Eagle of Poughkeepsie, July 12th, 1845. 

287 



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HOMER WHEATON 

Rectob of Christ Church 

April 12th, 1846,— May 1st, 1847 

Homer Wheaton was a native of Dutchess County, New York, his 
birth occurring at The Square, in the town of North East, on Decem- 
ber 15th, 1804. His parents removing, soon after it, to central New 
York, he received his preUminary education at the academy at Pompey, 
and graduated with the class of 1822 from Hamilton College, Clinton. 
He was a precocious child, translating Xenophon when nine years old, 
and his ability further manifested itself in college, the delivery of the 
English oration being assigned to him at graduation. 

After studying law, Mr. Wheaton began practise in Syracuse, but 
in a few years came to Lithgow, Dutchess County. He had married 
in 1830 Louisa, daughter of Judge Isaac Smith of Lithgow, a large land 
owner in that neighborhood, and, Mrs. Wheaton inheriting at her 
father's death much of this estate, it became expedient for them to 
occupy and care for it. 

Between 1830 and 1840, Mr. Wheaton's attention began to be cen- 
tered upon the Church, and he came under the personal knowledge of 
Dr. Reed, of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, whose influence was un- 
doubtedly an agent toward his decision to take Orders. Dr. Reed 
baptized him December 7th, 1841, and, being already prepared for 
Orders, he was ordained Deacon two days later (December 9th, 1841) 
by Bishop Onderdonck, in Christ Church. He became assistant to 
Dr. Reed January 1st, 1842, serving in Deacon's Orders until Novem- 
ber 13th of that year, when he was advanced to the Priesthood by 
Bishop Onderdonck, this ordination, also, taking place in Christ 
Church. 

Mr. Wheaton was Assistant Minister in Christ Church the last years 
of Dr. Reed's life, being made Rector of the parish, in succession to Dr. 
Reed, on April 12th, 1846. Also as successor to Dr. Reed, he was 
elected in 1846 a member of the Board of Trustees of the General 
Theological Seminary. He resigned from the Board in 1855. 

The illness of Mrs. Wheaton's mother making it necessary for her 
and her husband again to live in the old home at Lithgow, Mr. Whea- 
ton relinquished his charge in Poughkeepsie on May 1st, 1847. 

The correspondence between him and the vestry of Christ Church 
on this occasion (and on those of his election as Assistant and as Rec- 
tor) clearly shows the esteem in which he was held, and his own 
thoughtful, conscientious spirit. A Common. Place Book, begun by 

288 



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Mr. Wheaton in 1820, bears upon its fly-leaf, "Nil actum reputans si 
quid puperesset agendum," and the sentiment that nothing should be 
considered accomplished, if anything remained to be done, is one that 
expressed a governing rule of Mr. Wheaton's life. The corner-stone 
of his character was his devotion to duty, combined with inflexible 
resolution in carrying it out in the least detail, but this strength was 
saved from harshness by other traits equally marked. 

A few are now living who were members of the parish during his 
ministry, and they bear tribute to the beauty of his character. One, 
who knew him well and loved him, said to the writer, with much feel- 
ing, — "he had the personality of a Christian, the manners of a gentle- 
man, and the heart of a woman!" Another recalls that, in preaching, 
he was used to address "My Christian Brethren," and frequently to 
urge them to "hear the Voice of the Church." His own speaking voice 
is described as exceptionally fine. 

It has also been said of him that "he held himself up to a very high 
standard, and he never, in large or little things, fell a bit below it. 
With this, went a self-sacrifice, a humility about himself, a great 
courtesy toward others, and, withal, a wholesome, almost joyful 
nature. He had a wonderfully hearty laugh, and enjoyed a good story. 
There was no touch of the morbid, no suggestion of ofiFering himself as 
an exemplar." 

His was, in short, one of those rare natures, shot through with charm, 
and fixed in principle, which evoke in men's hearts love and reverence, 
and inspire them with freshened faith ia the best things of life. 

The Oxford Movement, started in 1833, had established an influence 
in the Church in the United States in the early forties, and Mr. Whea- 
ton was one of those who were profoundly aflfected by it. While he 
was in Poughkeepsie his High Church teaching was sufficiently pro- 
nounced to make some of his people consider his views very advanced, 
and one member of the congregation, in alarm lest a general with- 
drawal to the Church of Rome was about to take place, himself with- 
drew to the Reformed Dutch Church. 

However, when Mr. Wheaton removed from Poughkeepsie to 
Lithgow in 1847, he interested himself at once in St. Peter's Church, 
there, to the Rectorship of which he was called ia 1848. He continued 
in that office about seven years, in which time he also labored 
at mission stations in the county, taking charge of St. Mary's, at 
Poughquag in the town of Beekman; of St. Paul's, Pleasant 
Valley: and of St. Thomas's, Amenia Union, at which latter place he 
was instrumental in the erection of a church building designed by 
Upjohn. 

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In 1854, after Bishop Wainwright's death, a number of the clergy 
urged his name for the Bishopric of New York, but the movement 
was discouraged by him as his views were then changing. The 
following year, 1855, he entered the Roman Church, and the re- 
mainder of his life was spent in retirement, at Lithgow, as a layman 
of that Communion. He died November 12th, 1894, in his ninetieth 

year. 

Mr. Wheaton had two sons, Isaac Smith Wheaton, who died in 1872 
without issue, and Judge Charles Wheaton of Poughkeepsie, who left 
descendants. Of Mr. Wheaton's family, his son's wife, the late Mrs. 
Charles Wheaton of Poughkeepsie, and her two daughters shared the 
ecclesiastical beliefs of his later years. 

AUTHORITIES 

Family records in the possession of Isaac S. Wheaton, Esq., of Lith- 
gow. 

Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, 

Records of Hamilton College. 

Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of New York, 1841-1855. 

Proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the General Theological 
Seminary. 1846-1855. 



SAMUEL BUEL, A.M., S.T.D. 

Rector of Christ Church 
September 15th, 1847,— May 10th, 1866 

Samuel Buel was born at Troy, New York, June 15th, 1815. He 
graduated from WiUiams College, in the class of 1833, at the early age 
of eighteen, being the valedictorian of his class. The subject of his 
oration was "Originality of Character," a fact that cannot fail to have 
a humorous side for those who knew him personally, for he is said to 
have possessed that quality himself, in large measure. 

Having obtained his Master's degree in 1836 from WiUiams and 
graduated from the General Theological Seminary in 1837, he was 
ordained Deacon July 2d, 1837, by Bishop Onderdonck, in St. Luke's 
Church, New York City. For a short time he was Assistant in St. 
Peter's, Albany, but removed in 1838 to the Diocese of Michigan. He 
was still in Deacon's Orders at the time of his removal from the Diocese 
of New York, and the date of his ordination to the Priesthood has not 
been obtained. 

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The fifty years of Dr. Buel's active life in the ministry were ahnost 
equally divided between parochial charges and professorial chairs. 
From 1838 to 1866 he held four Rectorships: that of Trinity Church, 
Marshall, Michigan, 1838-1839; of St. James's, Schuylkill Haven, 
Pennsylvania, 1840-1841; of Emmanuel Church, Cumberland, Mary- 
land, 1841-1847; and of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, New York, 
1847-1866. 

His first professorship was that of Ecclesiastical History and Divin- 
ity, in the Seabury Divinity School, at Faribault, Minnesota, from 
1867 to 1871; his second, that of Systematic Divinity and Dogmatic 
Theology in the General Theological Seminary, New York City, in 
which he continued in active duty from 1871 to 1888, being made 
Professor Emeritus in the latter year. The degree of S.T.D. was con- 
ferred upon Mr. Buel by Columbia in 1862 and by the General Semi- 
nary in 1885. From 1857 to 1866, while Rector of Christ Church, 
Poughkeepsie, he was a Trustee of the Seminary. 

Extended scholarship was possessed by Dr. Buel, and he was in his 
most successful field of work when among his books. He published 
A Treatise on the Eucharistic Presence, Sacrifice and Adoration, 
and an essay on The Apostolic System of the Church Defended, 
and, after his retirement from his active professorship, his lectures at 
the General Seminary were published in two large octavo volumes, 
under the title of A Treatise of Dogmatic Theology. 

Dr. Buel died in New York City, December 30th, 1892, and was 
survived by his widow and one son. His wife was a daughter of the 
Rev. Dr. WiUiam Holland Wilmer, President of William and Mary 
College, and a sister of Richard Hooker Wilmer, who was made 
Bishop of Alabama in 1862 by the short-lived Church in the Confed- 
eracy. 

The Board of Trustees of the Seminary, in taking appropriate action 
at the time of his death, said of him: "No one could have been more 
regular and attentive in filling the duties of a Professor's chair than Dr 
Buel. Never absent from his lectures, or from the daily service in the 
Chapel, he was untiring in the work of his Department. A most in- 
dustrious student, with an extraordinary memory for aU he had read, 
he was literally a living encyclopoedia of sacred learning. Before its 
removal to the new building most of the books of the library were 
catalogued and put in place by his own hands. Below a certain 
brusqueness of manner, he always had a very warm heart, and his loss 
wUl long be felt by his colleagues in the Faculty and by those who had 
the privilege of sitting under his teaching." 

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AUTHORITIES 

Proceedings of the Board of Trustees, General Theological Seminary, 

Vol. 6, pp. 752-753. 
SchafF's Religious Encyclopoedia, Vol. 4, p. 29. 
Williams College General Catalogue, 1905, p. 49. 
Williams College, Biographical Annals, pp. 471-472. 
Obituary, The Churchman, January 7th, 1893. 

PHILANDER KINNEY CADY, A.M., S.T.D. 

Rectok of Christ Church 
September 1st, 1866, — October 31st, 1875 

The Rev. Dr. Cady is one of the two, living, ex-Rectors of Christ 
Church. 

Dr. Cady was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 23d, 1826, graduat- 
ed in 1843 from W^oodward College, Cincinnati, from the General 
Theological Seminary in 1847, and received his Master's degree from 
Trinity College, Hartford, m 1856. 

In 1850 he was ordered Deacon by Bishop Whittingham, in Trinity 
Church, New York City, and in 1851 was advanced to the Priesthood 
by Bishop DeLancey, in Grace Church, Brooklyn. His parochial 
charges were: Trinity Church, West Troy, New York, 1851-1857; 
Grace Church, Newark, New Jersey, 1857-1860; Grace Church, Al- 
bany, New York, 1861-1865; Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, 1866-1875; 
and St. James's, Hyde Park, New York, 1876-1888. In 1871, 1874, 
and 1877 the Diocese of New York elected him one of its clerical 
deputies to the General Conventions which met in those years. 

From 1889 to 1904 Dr. Cady was associated with the General Theo- 
logical Seminary, holding the Professorship of the Evidences of Natural 
and Revealed Religion 1889-1902, and serving as Acting Dean 1903- 
1904. Columbia University conferred upon him in 1878 the degree 
of S.T.D., and in 1895 the Seminary did the same. 

June 11th, 1863, Dr. Cady married Miss Helen S. Hamilton of 
Troy, who died in 1868. His only son, Hamilton Cady, is also deceased, 
and Dr. Cady, with his only daughter, now lives at Ridgefield, Connec- 
ticut. 



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HENRY LAFAYETTE ZIEGENFUSS, A.M., S.T.D. 

Rector of Christ Church 
November 1st, 1875, — February 8th, 1894 
Archdeacon of Dutchess, 1886-1894 

Dr. Ziegenfuss was born November 3d, 1844, at Kresgeville, Mon- 
roe County, Pennsylvania, of Lutheran parentage. He was prepared 
for college in a Moravian school at Nazareth, and in 1862 matriculated 
at Pennsylvania College, a Lutheran institution at Gettysburgh, 
Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honor in 1866. He was 
a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and of the Phrenokosmian 
Literary Society, and his college course was further marked by service 
in the Civil War. In June and Jxily, 1863, a company was enlisted from 
among the students of Pennsylvania College and placed under the 
command of Colonel W. W. Jennings, of the 26th Pennsylvania, and 
participated with that regiment in the battle of Gettysburgh, July 1-3, 
1863. 

From Pennsylvania College Mr. Ziegenfuss went to Mt. Airy Luther- 
an Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, in 1866, and graduated in 1869. 
On Trinity Sunday, 1869, he was ordained to the Lutheran ministry, 
in which he remained for three years, during which time he was Pastor 
of the Third Lutheran Church at Rhinebeck, New York, and for part 
of which he was also Professor of Chemistry in DeGarmo Institute, 
Rhinebeck. 

In 1872 Mr. Ziegenfuss resigned his pastorate, was confirmed by 
Bishop Horatio Potter, in the Church of the Messiah, Rhinebeck, and, 
on October 3d of that year, became a candidate for Orders in the 
Protestant Episcopal Church. His admission to the Diaconate took 
place October 17th, 1873, in the Church of the Messiah, and to the 
Priesthood on April 20th, 1874, in St. Paul's, Poughkeepsie, Bishop 
Horatio Potter officiating at both ordinations. 

As lay reader, and as Deacon, he held services at St. Margaret's, 
Staatsburgh, and for six months in 1864, after his ordination to the 
Priesthood, while the Rector of St. James's, Hyde Park, was abroad, 
he supplied that parish. In the autumn of 1874 he was invited to take 
charge of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, while Dr. Cady was absent for 
a year for the recovery of his health. When Dr. Cady resigned in 
1875, Mr. Ziegenfuss was elected Rector of Christ Church, and con- 
tinued as such until his death in 1894. 

From the time of his coming to Christ Church he was closely in 
touch with diocesan mission work, and had much to do with the direc- 

293 



The Records oj Christ Church 

tion of it, its machinery then consisting of a diocesan missionary 
committee, elected by the Diocesan Convention, and local Convo- 
vocations of the clergy and laity. Mr. Ziegenfuss was made 
secretary of the Convocation of Dutchess in 1880, and in 1883 he 
was elected a member of the missionary committee of the diocese. 
The Diocesan Convention of 1885 reorganized the administration of 
its domestic missionary affairs, and adopted the present archdeaconry 
system, Mr, Ziegenfuss being appointed in May, 1886, by Bishop 
Potter, the first Archdeacon of Dutchess, which oflBce he filled in a 
way that created for it an ideal standard. He was an Examining 
Chaplain of the Diocese of New York, 1884-1894, and was elected a 
provisional deputy to the General Conventions of 1886 and 1889. 

Prior to its disbandment in 1882 Dr. Ziegenfuss was for seven 
years Chaplain of the 21st Regiment, N. G. N. Y., and from 1869, 
when he was admitted to the Rhinebeck Lodge, until his death in 
1894, he was an active Mason. He was a charter member in 1879 of 
Triune Lodge, No. 782, of Poughkeepsie, and Chaplain thereof 
1879-1894; affiliated 1872 with Poughkeepsie Commandery, No. 
43, Knights Templar (of which he was Prelate 1879-80, 1890-91, 
1892-93), and with Poughkeepsie Chapter, No. 172, Royal Arch 
Masons, in 1893. He was also an honorary member of the Euterpe 
Glee Club. 

The degree of A.M. was conferred upon Mr. Ziegenfuss in 1869 by 
Pennsylvania College, and of S.T.D. by Hobart CoUege in 1890. He 
published What Constitutes a Lawful Ministry (E. P. Dutton, 
1874); a paper on The Position and Work of the Laity (American 
Church Congress, 1882); a paper on The Higher Education oj 
Women (American Church Congress, 1887); articles in Forest and 
Stream, entitled Up and Down in Colorado, Piseco and T Lake Falls, 
and other fugitive work in periodicals. 

To gather and record such facts as those above is a necessary part 
of the work of a biographer, but how faintly they suggest the character 
of the man whose life history they outline! 

Adequately to write of Dr. Ziegenfuss for those who knew him, or, 
to convey to those who did not know him, any idea of what he really 
was, are equally impossible tasks for an imworthy pen. He was dis- 
tinguished as a student in theology and in science, he was able as a 
preacher, and indefatigable as a worker; but it was not these qualities 
which made him a leader of men, and it is as such he will be best re- 
membered. High and low, rich and poor. Episcopalian, non-Episco- 
palian, in Poughkeepsie, throughout Dutchess County, held him 
in affection; there has probably never been a minister in Poughkeepsie 

294 



The Records ofChrist Church 

more generally popular, among all Churches, and all classes, than he; 
but it was not for his learning that this esteem was accorded, nor was 
it by the exercise of any tact or diplomacy that it was won. 

The essence of the great power of his personality might be defined 
as its humanness. He sounded the note of brotherhood, and that not 
consciously. He was a brother to men, and really loved them; a fact 
they instinctively recognized, and which drew forth its own response, 
for love begets love. He was approachable, genial, cheery, sunny, 
and there radiated from him an influence that imparted a warmth and 
glow at heart to those about him. In the drawing-room, and in the 
tenement, in the councils of the diocese, and in lonely mission stations, 
he carried with him that touch of nature which made him kin to all. 
Unselfish, strong and tender, modest and withal accomplished, he 
lived his life here, and when he died the whole community voiced 
grief. 

The circumstances of his death were peculiarly touching. His wife, 
a daughter of Dr. Isaac F. Van Vliet of Rhinebeck, whom he had 
married in 1873, in the Church of the Messiah, was for many years an 
invalid and unable to bear the care of a home. Her illness grew acute 
in the winter of 1894, while they were living at the Nelson House, and 
she died January 23d. Fatigued by the unceasing care he had given 
her. Dr. Ziegenfuss became ill with grip, and, a few days after his wife's 
funeral, he was removed to Vassar Hospital. A heart weakness, the 
knowledge of which he had long kept to himself, proved the bar to his 
recovery, and, in his sleep, on Thursday evening, February 8th, 1894, 
he died. 

His body was borne to his study at the church, and lay in the 
shadow of the book -lined walls, guarded by members of the Brother- 
hood of St. Andrew, until Monday, February 12th, when a funeral ser- 
vice was held in the church. The solemn ceremonial of that day is 
part of the public history of the parish and of Poughkeepsie, but, for 
his own people, the real farewell was on the Sunday morning intervening, 
when they gathered at the Altar-rail in the celebration of the Holy 
Communion, with all that was mortal of him they loved lying so near 
them. The processional hymn, "Hark, hark, my Soul, angelic songs 
are swelling," sung as the choir passed the closed door of the study, 
had the joyous ring of hope he would liimself have chosen. There 
was no sermon, no reference to what had occurred, except in the deep 
silence that followed the words in the Communion Office, "We also 
bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith 
and fear," but the whole service was surcharged with the throbbing 
sense of loss that filled the heart of each one present. 

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The Records of Christ Church 

As a memorial to Dr. Ziegenfuss his library of three thousand vol- 
umes was purchased and presented to Christ Church by a number of 
his friends. 

Also in his memory, there was given a processional cross by four men, 
who, with him, had made a group of five, in which there had been good 
fellowship and friendship. The donors knew of his special wish for a 
processional cross for the church, and chose it for their memorial for 
that reason. 

AUTHORITIES' 

Pennsylvania College Book, Alumni Record; pub. Phila., 1882, 

by Lutheran Publication Society. 
Records of Mt. Airy Theological Seminary. 
Appleton's Cyelopoedia of American Biography, Vol. 1, p. 198. 
Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of New York, 1872-1894 
Records of the Masonic Order. 
Records of Hobart College. 
Records of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 
Records of the Church of the Messiah, Rhinebeck. 
Poughkeepsie Daily Eagle, Feb. 9, 12. 13, 1894. 
Poughkeepsie News Press, Feb. 9. 10, 12, 13, 1894. 
The Sunday Courier, of Poughkeepsie, Feb. 11, 1894. 



SAMUEL AUGUSTUS WEIKERT, A.M. 

Rector of Christ Church 
March 12th, 1894,— February 20th, 1900 

The Rev. Mr. Weikert is the second of the two living ex-Rectors 
of Christ Church. 

Mr. Weikert was born in Littletown, Pennsylvania, and received his 
ollegiate education at Pennsylvania College, Gettysburgh, which con- 
ferred upon him his Master's degree. After graduation from the Theo- 
logical Seminary at Gettysburgh, he was ordained to the Lutheran 
ministry, and at once assumed the pastorate of the Lutheran Church 
at Red Hook, Dutchess County, New York, which he held from 1879 
to 1891, when a decision to enter the Protestant Episcopal Church led 
to his confirmation, that year, in Grace Church, New York City. He 
was ordained Deacon, June 19th, 1892, in St. Paul's Church, Morri- 
sania, and Priest, December 18th, 1892, in St. Bartholomew's, New 
York, by Bishop Potter. 

From 1893 to 1894 Mr. Weikert was Rector of the Church of the 
Regeneration, Pine Plains, New York; from 1894 to 1900 of Christ 

296 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Church, Poughkeepsie; and from 1900 of St. Mark's, Paterson, New 
Jersey. The membership of St. Mark's has more than doubled during 
his rectorate, and its income as well, and the church edifice, which was 
destroyed by fire in 1902, has been replaced by a new and handsome 
structure. 

Mr. Weikert is a member of the Pro-Cathedral Chapter of the Diocese 
of Newark, of the Board of Missions and Church Extension, and of the 
Ecclesiastical Architecture Commission, and belongs to the Sigma Chi 
Fraternity. He married Miss Hannah Drexel Frey of Gettysburgh, 
Pennsylvania, and has two daughters. 



ALEXANDER GRISWOLD CUMMINS, A.M., Litt.D. 

Rector of Christ Church 

Instituted December 2d, 1900 

Alexander Griswold Cummins, son of the Rev. Alexander Griswold 
Cimimins, Sr., was born in Smyrna, Delaware, where his family had 
long been identified with the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was 
graduated from Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, in 
1889, and from 1889 to 1893 was an under- and post-graduate student 
at the General Theological Seminary, New York City. In 1893 he 
received the degree of A.M. from Columbia University, where he had 
taken post-graduate courses 1890-1893, and, in 1909, Swarthmore 
College conferred upon him the degree of Litt. D. 

Mr. Cimamins was ordered Deacon in Christ Church, Greenwich, 
Connecticut, June 12th, 1892, by the Rt. Rev. Leighton Coleman, 
Bishop of Delaware, and served as Curate in that parish from that date 
imtil April, 1894. May 1st, 1894, he was ordained to the Priesthood 
by Bishop Coleman, in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd of the General 
Theological Seminary. After fourteen months spent in travel and 
study abroad, he became Curate of Holy Trinity Church, New York 
City, December 1st, 1895, which position he resigned five years later 
to accept a call to Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, where he was 
instituted Rector, December 2d, 1900. 

During his incumbency of the Rectorship of Christ Church, Dr. 
Cummins has accomplished so much for the upbuilding of the parish 
that, upon the tenth anniversary of his institution, the vestry have 
pubhshed this volume as a mark of their appreciation of his work. 

Dr. Cummins is a member of the standing committee of the Diocese 
of New York; chairman of the (diocesan) social service committee; 

297 



The Records ofChrist Church 

a member of the (diocesan) committee for expediting business; and a 
member of the executive committee of the Church Congress. He is 
chairman of the finance committee of the Poughkeepsie Branch of 
the State Charities' Aid Association; director and chairman of the 
finance committee of the Associated Charities' Association of Pough- 
keepsie; member of the Consumers' League; of the Child Labor Com- 
mission; of the National Playground Association; and of the Pough- 
keepsie Chamber of Commerce; Trustee of the Pringle Home, Pough- 
keepsie; of St. Barnabas's Hospital Foundation, Poughkeepsie; and of 
the Clergymen's Mutual Insurance League (general). 

The social affiliations of Dr. Cummins include membership in Phi 
Kappa Psi; in Phi Beta Kappa; in Tau Nu Epsilon; in Book and 
Key; in the Alumni Association of Columbia University; in the Union 
League Club, New York City; in the National Arts Club and the 
Circle of the Friends of the Medallion, New York City; in the Amrita, 
the University, the Tennis and the Boat Club, Poughkeepsie; in the 
Clove Valley Rod and Gim Club; in the Churchmen's Association; in 
the Club, the Twelve, and the Rectory Club. 

ASSISTANT MINISTERS, CURATES AND MINISTERS 
IN CHARGE 

Assistant Minister, 1842-1845, the Rev. Homer Wheaton. 

For further data, see the biographies of the Rectors of the parish. 

Assistant Minister, 1866-1872, the Rev. William Barber Thomas. 
The Rev. Mr. Thomas was a native of Poughkeepsie, and a parish- 
ioner of Christ Church. He held successively the following 
offices: Rector of Trmity Church, Fishkill Village, N. Y.; 
Rector of Christ Church, Duanesburgh, N. Y. ; Principal of an 
English and Classical School, at Schenectady, N. Y. ; Rector of 
St. Paul's Church, Pleasant Valley, N. Y. ; and Assistant Minister 
of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, from December 1st, 1866, to 
October 7th, 1872. Mr. Thomas died October 22d, 1876, aged 
seventy-eight. 

Curate, 1902-1904, the Rev. Edward Schofield Travers, A. M. 

Mr. Travers graduated from Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., 
1898, and from Berkeley Divinity School, Middletown, 1901, re- 
ceiving that same year his Master's degree from Trmity. He was 
Assistant Minister, Grace Church, New York City, from July 1st, 
1901, to September 1st, 1902; Curate of Christ Church, Pough- 
keepsie, September 1st, 1902, to January 1st, 1904; "Assistant Min- 

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The Records of Christ Church 

ister on the Greene Foundation," Trinity Church, Boston, Mass., 
January 1st, 1904, to January 1st, 1906; and is now Chaplain of the 
United States Mihtary Academy, West Point, N. Y., appointed 
December 1st, 1905. 

Curate, 1907-1910, the Rev. Frederick Sherman Arnold, A.M., S.T.B. 
The Rev. Mr. Arnold is a native of Poughkeepsie; he graduated 
from Harvard University, A. B., summa cum laude, in 1898, and 
from the Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, Mass., 1901, 
and holds the degree of A.M. conferred by Harvard in 1899, and 
of S.T.B. conferred by the Theological School in 1901; his affilia- 
tions in his college life included membership in Phi Beta Kappa, 
Hasty Pudding Club, Institute of 1770, and Amphidon. From 
1901 to 1902 Mr. Arnold was Curate in Grace Church, New York 
City; from 1903 to 1905 Curate of the Church of the Holy Com- 
forter, Poughkeepsie; from 1905 to 1906 Curate in Mount Calvary 
Church, Baltimore, Md.; from 1906 to 1907, Canon and Priest 
in Charge of the Cathedral, Fargo, North Dakota; from June 
1st, 1907, to October 1st, 1910, Curate of Christ Church, Pough- 
keepsie; and from October 1st, 1910, Rector of St. Thomas's 
Church, Brandon, Vermont. 

Curate, 1910, the Rev. Lewis Edwin Hess. 

The Rev. Mr. Hess is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary, 
New York City, class of 1900, having previously been a student 
at Hhnols College, Jacksonville, Illinois, and taking special 
courses in philosophy and sociology at Columbia University in 
1899-1902. After three years spent in the Presbyterian 
ministry as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at East Meredith, 
New York, Mr. Hess received Episcopal ordination, being made 
Deacon by the Bishop of Albany in 1908, and Priest by the 
Bishop-Coadjutor of Pennsylvania in 1909. He served as 
assistant in the Church of the Messiah, Glens Falls, New York, 
1907-1908; as Curate of St. James's, Philadelphia, 1908-1909; 
of St. Ann's, Brooklyn, 1909-1910; and from October 16th, 1910, 
has been Curate of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. 

Minister in Charge, 1874-1875, the Rev. Henry L. Ziegenfuss. 
For further data, see the biographies of the Rectors of the parish. 

Minister in Charge, 1900, the Rev. Eliphalet Nott Potter, D.D. 
Dr. Potter was a graduate of Union College in the class of 1861, 
and of Berkeley Divinity School, 1862; in 1862 he became Mis- 
sionary in the Lehigh Valley, Diocese of Pennsylvania, and Rector 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

of the Church of the Nativity, South Bethlehem, 1862-1869; he 
was Secretarj'^ of Lehigh University, and Professor of Ethics in 
that institution 1866-1871; and from 1869 to 1871 Associate 
Rector of St. Paul's Church, Troy, N. Y. In 1871 he was elected 
President of Union College, and in 1884 President of Hobart 
College. He was the recipient of the following degrees: D.D. 
from Columbia, 1871; LL.D.. from Williams, 1880; and L.H.D.. 
from St. Stephen's, 1895. It was after his retirement from the 
Presidency of Hobart, that he served from March to December, 
1900, as Minister in Charge of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. Dr. 
Potter died February 6th, 1901. 

MiNiSTEB EST CHARGE, 1904, the Rcv. Charles H. Babcock, D.D. 

From January to June, 1904, during the illness of the Rector of 
the parish, the Rev. Charles Henry Babcock, D.D., was Minister 
in Charge of Christ Church. Dr. Babcock was, in 1875, appointed 
an "Assistant Minister on the Greene Foundation" in Trinity 
Church, Boston; from 1879 to 1888 he was Rector of Trinity 
Church, Columbus, Ohio, and from 1888 to 1893 of Grace Church, 
Providence, R. I. Since his resignation of this latter charge, be- 
cause of ill health, he has held no parish, but has given very 
valuable assistance to the work of the Church Congress in the 
United States. Dr. Babcock has served on the general and 
executive committees of the Congress for many years, was 
General Chairman pro tem, October, 1907— May, 1908, and in 
May, 1908, was elected General Chairman. The degree of D.D. 
was conferred upon him in 1886 by Kenyon College, Gambler, 
Ohio. 



300 



APPENDIX 



WARDENS OF THE PARISH 



1773 

1774 
1775 
1776 

1777 

1778 

1779 
1780—1783 

1784 
1785—1788 

1789 

1790 
1791—1792 

1793 
1794—1798 
1799—1800 

1801 

ISOS 

1803 
1804—1805 

1806 

1807 

1808 
1809—1810 

1811 
1812—1822 
1823—1825 
1826—1832 
1833—1842 
1843—1844 
1845—1852 
1853—1860 
1861—1879 
1880—1883 



Senior Warden 
Bartholomew Crannell 
Bartholomew Noxon 
Bartholomew Noxon 
Henry Van Der Burgh 
Bartholomew Noxon 
Richard Davis 
Samuel Smith 
Isaac Baldwin 
Richard Davis 
Richard Davis 
John Davis 
Richard Davis 
Richard Davis 
William Emott 
Richard Davis 
John Reade 
Richard Davis 
William Emott 
John Davis 
WiUiam Emott 
John Davis 
John Reade 
Ebenezer Badger 
John Davis 
Ebenezer Badger 
James Emott 
James Emott 
James Emott 
William Davies 
James Emott 
Hubert Van Wagenen 
Isaac I. Balding 
Thomas L. Davies 
George M. Van Kleeck 



Junior Warden 
Samuel Smith 
Bartholomew Crannell 
Richard Davis 
Isaac Baldwin 
Henry Van Der Burgh 
Isaac Baldwin 
Richard Davis 
Richard Davis 
Isaac Baldwin 
Wilham Emott 
Isaac Balding Jr. 
Daniel Lefferts 
William Emott 
Richard Davis 
William Emott 
John Davis 
John Reade 
John Davis 
William Emott 
John Davis 
John Reade 
Robert Noxon 
John Davis 
Ebenezer Badger 
Robert Noxon 
David Brooks 
Philo Ruggles 
WUliam Davies 
James Emott 
Hubert Van Wagonen 
Isaac I. Balding 
Thomas L. Davies 
George M. Van Kleeck 
Le Grand Dodge 



303 



{The R e'c or d s ojChrist Church 

1884 — 1891 Le Grand Dedge Edward Hazen Parker, M.D 

1892 — 1896 Edward Hazen Parker, M.D. George Cornwell 

1897 — 1898 George Cornwell P. Frost Spaulding 

1899 — 1902 George Cornwell A. Edward Tower 

1903 — 1910 George Cornwell John Kelsey Sague 

1910 John Kelsey Sague John Calhoun Otis, MJD. 



VESTRY^IEN FROM 1773 

IN SUCCESSIVE ORDER OF ELECTION 

Richard Davis 1773, 1774, 1777, 1789 

John Child 1773-1775 

John Davis 1773-1781, 1788, 1795, 1798, 1801 

JohnFerdonJr 1773 

John Medler 1773-1775 

Zachariah Ferdon 1773-1776, 1783, 1784 

Isaac Baldwin Jr 1773-1785, 1788, 1790-1798 

David Brooks 1773, 1811 

William Emott 1773-1784, 1789, 1790 

Richard Wilkinson 1774 

John Bard 1775 

Philip I. Livingston 1775 

Bartholomew Crannell. , . . 1776 

Simon Noxon 1776-1784 

EliEmons 1776 

Robert Noxon 1776-1788, 1790-1794, 1796, 1797, 1799- 

1806, 1808, 1810 

Samuel Smith 1777, 1783 

Thomas Poole 1777-1784 

William Post 1777, 1778 

Peter Delamater 1778-1782 

Gerard Smith 1779-1782 

Ebenezer Badger 1782-1793, 1795-1807 

James Pritchard 1784-1789 

Henry Mott 1785-1788, 1790-1793 

Daniel Lefferts 1785-1789, 1791-1796 

Melancthon L. Woolsey. . . 1785, 1786 

Richard Davis Jr 1785 

Isaac Balding (Sr..?) 1786, 1787 

Daniel Smith 1786-1790 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

Charles Crooke 1787 

Archibald Stewart 1789-1796, 1799-1802 

John Mott 1789-1793, 1797, 1799-1801 

JohnFerdon 1791,1792 

John Z. Ferdon 1793 

Cadwallader D. Golden. . .1794, 1795 

Anthony HofiFman 1794 

Robert Thorn 1794 

Stephen Hendricksen 1794, 1795 

James Bramble 1795-1798 

John Reade 1796-1798, 1802, 1803, 1805 

Thomas Mitchell 1796-1800 

Stephen Hoyt 1797-1803, 1805, 1809 

John Cooke 1798 

WiUiam Davies 1799, 1800, 1803-1810 

John Crooke 1799 

John P. Vemont 1800 

Ebenezer Baldwin 1801-1804, 1806-1808 

Matthew Caldwell 1801-1805 

Peter B. Morgan 1802, 1804, 1806-1808, 1812, 1813 

Jabez Bosworth 1803-1811, 1814, 1815 

Randall S. Street 1804-1806 

John L. Fonda 1806-1809, 1811, 1812, 1815-1820, 1826-183* 

James Emott 1807, 1808, 1810, 1811 

Philo Ruggles 1807-1811, 1813-1822 

Thomas J. Oakley 1809, 1810, 1812, 1816, 1819-1827 

Abiel Thompson 1809, 1810 

WilUam Bard 1809 

Daniel Davis 1810 

George P. Oakley 1811-1818, 1828-1831, 1833-1836 

Leonard Davis 1811, 1814-1820 

Paraclete Potter 1811, 1814 

Henry Davis 1812, 1813 

Richard Wiley 1812, 1814 

Samuel Slee 1812, 1813 

Joseph A. Bostwick 1812 

Stephen Hoyt 2d 1813 

Amaziah Wright 1813-1817 

Robert L. Reade 1814-1816 

David Phillips 1815 

Daniel Hebard 1816, 1818-1825 

John Cooper 1817-1820, 1847-1850 

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The Records of Christ Church 

Thomas L. Davies 1817-1825, 1833, 1835. J846-1852 

James Hooker 1817-1858 

John Davis 1821-1829 

Nathaniel P. TalJmadge. . . 1821-1836 

John Stanwix 1821, 1822, 1835-1837 

WiUiam T. Belden 1823-1840 

Stephen Cleveland 1823 

Amaziah Blakeslee 1824, 1825 

Richard D. Davis 1826-1853 

Eh'as Trivett 1826-1853 

Abijah S. Hatch 1830-1832, 1838-1840 

Isaac I. Balding 1832, 1834, 1836-1844 

Samuel B. Dutton 1837-1841 

William Hoyle Jr 1837 

Edward K. James 1838-1860 

Charles Johnston 1841-1845 

Christopher Appleton 1841-1845 

Charles Crooke 1842-1845 

Virgil D. Bonesteel 1845, 1846, 1854-1856 

Ehjah P. Benjamin 1846, 1847, 1849, 1850 

Reuben North 1846, 1857-1880 

George Clark 1847-1850 

James Emott 1851-1856 

Richard Bayley 1851 

James H. Fonda 1851-1853 

George M. Van Kleeck. . . 1852-1860 
Stephen M. Buckingham. . 1853-1877 

Le Grand Dodge 1854-1879 

Benson J. Lossing 1854,1855 

George C. Marshall 1856-1860 

Benjamin R. Tenney 1857-1868 

William A. Davies 1859-1881 

Edward H. Parker 1860-1883 

George Cornwell 1860-1891 

Joseph E. Allen 1861-1871 

William M. Goodrich 1869-1880 

John Grubb 1872-1889 

J. DePuyster Douw 1878-1891 

Robert Van Kleeck 1880-1893 

P. Frost Spaulding 1881-1896 

Albert Tower 1882-1891 

William B. Carpenter 1882-1887, 1894, 1895- 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

Edgar M. Van Kleeck 1884-1886 

Henry M. Curtis 1887-1894, 1896 

A. Edward Tower 1888-1898 

John K. Sague 1890-1902 

Joseph T. Tower 1892 

Hiram S. Wiltsie 1892-1899 

Sylvester Pier 1892-1898 

John C. Otis 1894-1910 

Samuel K. Rupley 1896-1903 

Frank Hasbrouck 1896, 1897 

Jesse J. Graham 1897-1910 

John J. Sloan 1898-1902 

William H. Hart 1899-1910 

Albert A. Simpson 1899-1910 

Charles W. Pilgrim 1900-1910 

John A. Roosevelt. 1903-1908 

Augustus B. Gray 1903-1910 

Wilham DeGarmo Smith. .1904-1910 

James W. Hinkley 2d 1909-1910 

Samuel I. Robinson 1910- 

DELEGATES FROM CHRIST CHURCH 
TO THE CONVENTIONS OF THE DIOCESE OF NEW YORK^ 

Appleton, Christopher; 1841-1845 

Badger, Ebenezer; 1790, 1807 

Balding, Isaac I.; 1845-1847, 1849, 1850, 1852 

Belden, WilHam T.; 1825-1828, 1830, 1832-1834, 1836-1840 

Benjamin, Elijah Park; 1846 

Bonesteel, Virgil D.; 1845, 1846 

Boyd, George; 1813 

Bramble, James; 1794, 1796, 1797 

Brooks, David; 1812 

Buckingham, Stephen M., 1853, 1854, 1856-1865, 1867, 1868, 1870, 

1872-1876. 
Colden, Cadwallader D. ; 1793 
ComweU, George; 1867, 1872, 1874, 1875, 1877, 1879, 1885, 1892-1907 

1 In 1798, 1799, 1800, Conventions were not held. 

In 1803, 1820, 1822, 1829, 1835, Christ Church failed to send 

lay delegates. 

In 1805 the Convention met in Christ Church. 

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The Records of C hr i s t Church 

Curtis, Henry M., 1887, 1889-1891, 1893-1896 

Davies, Thomas L.; 1821, 1845, 1847-1856, 1858, 1860, 1866, 1867, 1871 

Davies, William; 1816, 1817, 1828, 1830 

Davies, William A.; 1836, 1857, 1859, 1861, 1862, 1864, 1865, 1869, 

1870, 1873 
Davis, Hem-y; 1814 

Davis, John; 1785, 1789, 1795, 1796, 1802, 1806, 1808, 1809, 1812, 1813 
Dodge, Le Grand; 1858, 1859, 1862, 1866, 1868. 1869, 1874-1879, 

1881-1891 
Douw, J. DePuyster; 1878-1882, 1884-1886, 1889-1892 
Emott, James; 1807, 1811, 1815, 1816, 1818, 1823-1826, 1830, 18S1, 

1834, 1841-1843 
Emott, James Jr.; 1843, 1844, 1848-1856 
Emott, WiUiam; 1787, 1790 
Fonda, James H.; 1851 

Fonda, John L.; 1807-1810, 1816, 1825, 1827, 1839, 1840 
Goodrich, William M.; 1870, 1872, 1873, 1880 
Hoyt, Stephen; 1813 
James, Edward K.; 1842, 1845, 1848 
Johnston, Charles; 1843, 1844 
Johnston, John; 1819 
Lefferts, Daniel; 1787, 1792, 1796 
Lossing, Benson J. ; 1855 
Mesier, Peter; 1789 
Mott, John; 1791, 1797 
North, Reuben; 1869 
Oakley, George Peters; 1815 
Oakley, Thomas J.; 1811, 1818, 1821, 1826 
Otis, John C; 1903-1910 

Parker, Edward H.; 1861, 1863-1866, 1868, 1869, 1871, 1876-1878, 1881, 
1888 

Pier, Sylvester; 1892-1898 

Pilgrim, Charles W.; 1902-1907 

Potter, Paraclete; 1830 

Reade, John; 1795, 1801, 1802, 1805 

Reade, Robert L.; 1810 

Ruggles, Philo; 1811, 1818 

Rupley, Samuel K.; 1899-1901 

Sague, JohnK; 1908-1910 

Smith, William De Garmo; 1908-1910 

Spaulding, P. Frost; 1883 

Street, Randall S.; 1816, 1817 

308 



The Records of Christ Church 

Taylor, George; 1817 

Tenney, Benjamin R.; 1857, 1860, 1863 

Thomas, William B.; 1819 

Tower, A. Edward; 1897, 1898, 1900-1902 

Trivett, Elias; 1847, 1848 

Van Kleeck, George M.; 1871, 1880, 1882, 1883 

Van Kleeck, Robert; 1884, 1886-1888 

Van Wagenen, Hubert; 1842-1850 

Wiltsie, Hiram S.; 1899 

Wright, Amaziah; 1813 



SECRETARIES OF THE VESTRY 



Bartholomew Noxon 


1766 






No record 


1767 


—1773 




John Davis 


1773, August 17 


—1782 


April 2 


William Emott 


1782, April 2 


—1788 


September 2 


Ebenezer Badger 


1788, September 2 


—1790 


July 19 


Archibald Stewart 


1790, July 19 


—1797, 


April 18 


Stephen Hoyt 


1797, April 18 


—1802, 


April 30 


Ebenezer Baldwin 


1802, April 30 


—1805, 


April 17 


Ebenezer Badger 


1805, April 17 


—1808, 


April 19 


John L. Fonda > 


1808, April 19 


—1810, 


June 7 


John Davis 


1810, June 7 


—1811, 


April 23. 


Paraclete Potter 


1811, April 23 


—1812, 


April 18 


Joseph A. Bostwick 


1812, April 18 


—1813, 


— , — 


Stephen Hoyt 


1813, — , — 


, 


— , — 


Robert L. Reade 


1814, April 29 


—1816, 


— , — 


James Hooker 


1817, — , — 


—1821, 


— , — 


John H. Davis 


1822, — , — 


—1823, 


— , — 


No record 


1824, — , — 


—1835, 


— , — 


Richard D. Davis 


1836, — , — 


, 


— , — 


No record 


1837, — , — 


—1841, 


— , — 


Charles Johnston 


1842, January 4 - 


—1845, 


September 1 


Virgil D. Bonesteel 


1845, September 11- 


—1847, 


June 7 


Edward K. James 


1847, June 7 


—1860, 


November 12 


George M. Van Kleeck 


1861, January 14 - 


—1883, 


December 30 


Robert Van Kleeck 


1884, September 22 


—1892, 


November 5 


George Cornwell 


1892, November 5 


—1910, 


September 27 


William De Garmo Smith 


1910, October 13 


— 





309 



The Records ofChrist Church 

[Editor's note: 

The entries in Vestry Minutes, Volume 1, from August, 1810, to, and 
including, 1841, are in the handwriting of the Rector, Dr. Reed. 
A Blotter containing notes of proceedings of the vestry from 1809 
to 1827, gives the names of the secretaries from 1811 to 1822, the 
entries being made in several different hands. Dr. Reed's min- 
utes do not mention any of flie secretaries except Richard D. Davis, 
and that only once, in 1836. According to tradition, Richard D. 
Davis was secretary many years.] 



TREASURERS OF THE CORPORATION 



John Davis 1773, 

Richard Davis 1782, 

WiUiam Emott 1788, 

Thomas L. Davies 1825, 

George Comwell 1864, 

Reuben North 1875, 

Robert Van Kleeck 1880, 

A. Edward Tower 1889, 

Robert Van Kleeck 1890, 

John K. Sague 1892, 

Jesse J. Graham 1906, 



December 18 —1782, 
April 2 —1788, 

September 2—1825, 
August 16 —1864, 
February 8 —1875, 
March 13 —1880, 
AprU 3 —1889, 

May 25 —1890, 

April 19 —1892, 

November 13—1906, 
February 7 — 



April 2 
September 2 
July 6 
January 25 
March 13 
Aprils 
May 25 
April 19 
November 6 
February 7 



CLERKS— CHORISTERS— CHOIRMASTERS 



William Emott 



Mr. Pritchard 
Mr. Fox 
Jonathon Lewis 
Joseph Parker 
Mr. Kjiapp 
Ebenezer Babcock 
Abiel Thompson 
Jeremiah SiUcreggs 
Gideon Moseley 
Warren Skinner 
Thomas P. Stoughton 
Eliphaz Fay 



Clerk 
Services suspended 1776-1787 
Clerk 
Clerk 
Clerk 
Clerk 
Clerk 
Chorister 
Chorister* 
Chorister : 



1773—1776 

1789— ? 

1793— ? 

1797—1801 

1802 

1803—1804 

1804—1805 

1806 

1807—1808 

1811—1818 

1818—1822 

1824—1826 

1827—1829 



310 



The Records oj Chris i Church 

Benjamin C. Van Vliet Chorister (approx.) 1830—1850 

John Buckley Chorister 1851—1856 

John F. Coxhead Chorister 1856—1860 

Abel Gunn Chorister 1861—1862 

Miss C. H. Osborne (in charge of music) 1862—1863 

John F. Coxhead Chorister 1864—1865 

? 1865—1866 

Herman King Chorister 1866 — 1868 

Quartet Choir 1868—1876 

Volunteer Chorus 1877—1880 

Quartet Choir 1880—1888 

Vested Choir 1888— 

George W. Halliwell Choirmaster 1888 — 1892 

Sylvester Pier Choirmaster 1892 — 1893 

Edward W. Valentine Choirmaster 1893 — 

The Evolution of the Office of Clerk, Chorister, Choir- 
master is Shown in the following Data: 

1773, March 9th. The charter conferred upon the Rector of the 
parish, "sole power to appoint a Clerk to assist him in per- 
forming divine service." 

1773. "William Emott exempt from salary payments so long as he 
continues Clerk." {Salary Book, 1767-1775.) 
Mr. Emott probably officiated until services were suspended 
in 1776. 

1787. Services resumed under the Rev. Henry Van Dyck. 
1789, January 14th. "Mr. Pritchard to be exempt from paying salary 
while he is Clerk." (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 101.) 

1791-1792. Rectorship vacant. 

1793, September 3d. Agreed " to give Mr. Fox of the Wallkill £10 
per annum as Clerk." (Ibid., p. 177.) 

1796, January 5th. Voted "to give a Parish Clerk £8 per annum, a 
pew, and exemption from salary payments." (Ibid., p. 198.) 

1797, April 20th. Jonathan Lewis, Clerk. Apparently continued to 
May 1st, 1801. (Ledger B, p. 84.) 

1802, September 9th. Joseph Parker to be paid $10.00 "for tuning 
the Psalm up to this time." (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 257.) 

1803. "Mr, Knapp to be paid $20.00 for his services in setting the 
Psalm." (Parish Mss., Treasurer's papers, A, No. 22.) 

311 



The Records ofChrist Church 

1804, January 3d. Mr. Knapp to be paid $10.00 "for singing in the 
church six months." (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 263.) 

1805, January 2d. "Audited the account of Ebenezer Babcock as 
Chorister of the Church up to Sunday the 6th day of January 
instant." {Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 266.) 

1806, December 23d. A committee appointed to "audit the accounts 
of Abiel Thompson for his services as Chorister in the Church." 
(Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 292.) 

1806, December 23d, A committee appointed to "agree with Jere- 
miah Silkreggs for his services as Chorister in the Church for the 
term of one year." (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 291.) 

1808, December 25th. Settlement of accounts with Jeremiah Silk- 
reggs. (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 304.) 

1809, August 17th, to 1810, August 19th, Rectorship vacant. 

1810, September 24th. The Rev. John Reed, Philo Ruggles and Abiel 
Thompson appointed a committee "to further measures to assist 
the music in the church." (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 313.) 

1811, October 8th. The Rev. John Reed and Philo Ruggles, Esq., ap- 
pointed a committee "to agree with Mr. Mosely to officiate as 
Clerk:' (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 318.) 

1811, December 14th, to 1818, September 1st, Gideon Moseley paid 
"for singing." (Ledger C, p. 132.) 

1812, April 18th. Mr. Gideon Moseley to be paid "for his seroices 
as instruxior of music" (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 321.) 

1813, November 20th. Mr. Gideon Moseley "to instruct singing the 
ensuing year." (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 324.) 

1819, February 10th. Voted that the Rev. Mr. Reed is "to spend such 
amount as he may think necessary for the support of the singing 
in the Church." (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 332.) 

1818, November 1st, to 1822, May 1st, a salary paid to Warren Skinner 
for "services in the Church." (Ledger C, p. 75.) 
It is known by tradition that Warren Skinner sang in Christ 
Church. 

1824, 1825, 1826. A memorandum written by Dr. Reed, recording 
sundry disbursements. Items: 

"Mr. Stoughton's salary for the year ending in the fall of 1825." 
"Mr. Stoughton's bill for candles for singing school." 
"Rent of room for singing school." 

(Parish Mss., Later Papers, E, No. 24.) 

312 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Thomas P. Stoughton was for many years a music teacher in 
Poughkeepsie. He died March 25th, 1855, aged 66 years. 

1826, 1827, 1828, 1829. Expenses of singing school; rent of room, 
wood, and oil. {Ledger C, p. 75.) 

1827, 1828, 1829. "To Fay for teaching." (Ledger C, p. 75.) 
1829. "To fire and oil for singing school, and to paying Mr. Fay." 

(Parish Mss., Later Papers, E, No. 25.) 

Eliphaz Fay was Principal of the Dutchess County Academy. 

He is known to have been a singer. 
1880-1850. An approximation of the term of service as Chorister of 

Benjamin C. Van Vliet, who died February 25th, 1851. 

The approximation is based upon the recollections and traditions 

of elderly persons. 
1851, July 1st. Report of finance committee of vestry. Salary of 

$100.00 paid to "Mr. Buckley." (Parish Mss., Later Papers, 

C, No. 18.) 

John Buckley was an Englishman, who came to Poughkeepsie 

in 1841. He had a bass voice, and entered Christ Church choir. 

It is known that he succeeded Mr. Van Vliet as Chorister, and 

that he served until May, 1856. 
1856-1860. John F. Coxhead, Chorister. 

His service in these years is a matter of knowledge with his chil- 
dren. 

1861, January 14th. "The salary of Mr. Gunn, the organist, to be 
raised on account of extra services rendered as organist and 
chorister." {Vestry Minutes, Vol. 2, p. 93.) 

1862, February 17th. A committee appointed "to engage the services 
of an organist and chorister." {Vestry Minutes, Vol. 2, p. 97.) 

1862, April 1st, to 1863, June — . A salary paid to Miss C. H. Osborne. 
{Ledger E.) 

Miss Osborne was instructor in music at Cottage Hill Seminary. 

1863, September 28th. A "leader for the choir" to be procured. {Ves- 
try Minutes, Vol. 2, p. 100.) 

1864, January 1st, to 1865, July 1st. John F. Coxhead paid a salary 
as Chorister. {Ledger E.) 

1865, July 1st, to 1866, July 1st. No entries of any salary payments 
to a Chorister. (It is possible that the pupils and teachers of 
Cottage Hill Seminary composed the choir for this year.) 

1866, July 1st, to 1868, July 1st. A salary paid to Herman King as 
Chorister. {Ledger E.) 

313 



The Records ofChrist Church 

1868-1876. A paid quartet. (Ledger E.) 

1877, February 1st, to 1880, February 1st. A volunteer chorus. 
(Vestry Minutes, Vol. 2, p. 138.) 

1880, February, to 1888, May. A paid quartet. (Ledger E.) 

1888, May 13th. Introduction of a vested choir at the first service 
held in the new church. 

1888, May 13th, to 1892, February 4th. George W. Halliwell, Choir- 
master. (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 2, p. 241.) 

1892-1893. Sylvester Pier, Choirmaster. (Vestry Minutes, Vol. 2, 
p. 241.) 

1893, May 1st. Edward W. Valentine appointed Choirmaster. 
(Vestry Minutes, Vol. 2, p. 241.) 



SEXTONS 



John Lawson 

1784 
John Lawson 

1787 
Henry Rutsen 

1788 
Henry Elhce 

1790-1791 
John Dusenbury 

1792-1798 
James Moore 

1800-1809 
Joseph Cornish 

1810 
James Moore 

1811-1814 
Stephen Paten 

1815-1818 
Abel Gunn 

1819-1823 
(Amaziah?) Blakeslee 

1824-1826 
Stephen Ferguson 

1826-1842 
Thomas Eastmead 

1842-1845 



Samuel Keynton 

1846-1865 
William Gibson 

1865-1876 
Henry Wood 

1877-1882 
Henry Irving 

1882-1886 
Henry Wood 

1886-1888 
Henry Irving 

1888-1893 
Percy E. Vail 

1893-1894 
David Brightman 

1894-1895 
James Palmer 

1895-1899 
John W. King 

1899-1902 
George Wilkinson Jr. 

1903 
John W. King 

1903-1905 
Charles McDonald 

1906— 



314 



TJi e Records ofChrist Church 
ASSISTANT SEXTONS 



Charles McDonald 


1903-1905 


Mackenzie Brittain 


1906-1907 


John W. King 


1908— 


ORGANISTS 




William Blodgett 


1808 —1809 


Abel Gunn^ 


1809?— 1862 


Miss C. H. Osborne 


1862—1863 


Isaac B. Van Vliet 


1863—1869 


John R. Van Vliet 


1869 


Isaac B. Van Vliet 


1869—1870 


Miss Mary Van Vliet 


1871 


John R. Van Vhet 


1872—1879 


Miss Frances Flockton 


1879—1882 


Ira W. Johnson 


1882—1901 


Harry S. Bock 


1902— 



ASSISTANTS SINCE 1900 

Miss Helen J. Andrus 1902—1904 

Miss Florence Hannah 1905—1906 

Robert Flagler 1907— 

DELEGATES TO GENERAL CONVENTIONS 

1785 The first General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 

John Davis, of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, one of the three 

lay delegates from the Diocese of New York. 
1795 The Rev. George H. Spierin, Rector of Christ Church, s 

clerical delegate. 
1801 John Reade Esq., warden of Christ Church, a lay delegate. 
1808 John Reade Esq., a lay delegate. 

1826 The Hon. James Emott, warden of Christ Church, a lay delegate. 
1829 The Hon. James Emott, a lay delegate. 

1 Abel Gunn, born 1800, died 1875. The parish records do 
not show in what year Abel Gunn became organist, but it is known 
that he filled the position from his boyhood. In Chapter V will be 
found data from which the inference may fairly be drawn that he 
began his long service in, or soon after, 1809. 

315 



The Records ojChrist Church 

1832 The Rev. John Reed, S.T.D., Rector of Christ Church, analter- 

nate clerical delegate. 

The Hon. James Emott, a lay delegate. 
1835 The Rev. John Reed, S.T.D., a clerical delegate. 

The Hon. James Emott, a lay delegate. 
1838 The Hon. James Emott, a lay delegate. 
1841 The Hon. James Emott, a lay delegate. 
1844 The Hon. James Emott, a lay delegate. 
1871 The Rev. Philander K. Cady, S.T.D., Rector of Christ Church, 

a clerical delegate. 

William A. Davies Esq., vestryman of Christ Church, a lay 

delegate. 
1874 The Rev. Philander K. Cady, S.T.D., a clerical delegate. 

William A. Davies Esq., a lay delegate. 
1877 William A. Davies Esq., a lay delegate. 
1880 WiUiam A. Davies Esq., a lay delegate. 

1886 The Rev. Henry L. Ziegenfuss, Rector of Christ Church, a pro- 
visional clerical delegate. 
1889 The Rev. Henry L. Ziegenfuss, a provisional clerical delegate. 

CLERGY 

who, before ordination, were affiliated with christ church 

The Rt. Rev. Alonzo Potter, D.D. 
Spiritual son of this parish. 
Ordained Deacon 1822, May 1st. 
Ordained Priest 1824, September 16th. 
Consecrated Bishop 1845, September 23d. 

The Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, D.D. 
Spiritual son of this parish. 
Ordained Deacon 1827, July 15th. 
Ordained Priest 1828, December 14th. 
Consecrated Bishop 1854, November 22d. 

The Rev. William Barber Thomas 

Born and brought up in this parish; son of John Thomas, M.D.; 

prepared for the ministry by the Rev. Dr. John Reed, Rector of 

Christ Church. 

Ordained Deacon 1821, October 21st. 

Ordained Priest 1826, June 12th. 

316 



The Records ofChrist Church 

The Rev. Edward Davis 

Born and brought up in this parish; son of Leonard Davis; pre- 
pared for the ministry by the Rev. Dr. John Reed, Rector of Christ 
Church. 

Ordained Deacon 1826, May 2d. 
Ordained Priest 1828, August 4th. 

The Rev. Homer Wheaton 

Prepared for the ministry by the Rev. Dr. John Reed, Rector of 

Christ Church. 

Ordained Deacon 1841, December 9th. 

Ordained Priest 1842, November 13th. 

The Rev. Charles A. Maison, D.D. 

Born and brought up in this parish; son of General Leonard 

Maison. 

Ordained Deacon 1847, October 18th. 

Ordained Priest 1849, (?) 

The Rev. William G. W. Lewis 

A denominational minister, confirmed in Christ Church 1870. 
Ordained Deacon 1870, October 9th. 
Ordained Priest 1871, (?) 

The Ven. William Reed Thomas, D.D. 

Son of the Rev. William Barber Thomas, and a member of this 
parish in the formative years of his life. 
Ordained Deacon 1872, June 30th. 
Ordained Priest 1872, November 14th. 

The Rev. William Charles Grubb 

Born and brought up in this parish; son of John Grubb. 
Ordained Deacon 1874, March 12th. 

(Removed to the Diocese of Albany, while still in Deacon's 
Orders. Date of ordination to the Priesthood not obtained.) 

The Rev. Dean Richmond Babbitt 
Confirmed in Christ Church 1883. 
Ordained Deacon 1884, November 16th. 
Ordained Priest 1886, July 4th. 

The Rev. Eli Draper Stjtcliffe 

Candidate for orders from Christ Church. 
Ordained Deacon 1885, May 7th. 
Ordained Priest 1886, March 25th. 

317 



The Recolrds of Christ Church 

The Rev. Leonard Walter Lott 

A denominational minister, confirmed in Christ Church 1884. 

Ordained Deacon 1885, December 20th. 

(Removed to the Diocese of Rhode Island, while still in Deacon's 

Orders. Date of ordination to the Priesthood not obtained.) 
The Rev. Martin Kellogg Schermerhorn 

A denominational minister, confirmed in Christ Church 1884. 

Ordained Deacon 1885, December 20th. 

Ordained Priest 1886, March 25th. 

The Ven. Walter Hughson 

Born and brought up in this parish; son of Walter Hughson, M. D. 
Confirmed in Christ Church 1869. 

Ordained to the restricted Diaconate 1885, December 27th. 
Ordained Priest 1897, May 16th. 

The Rev. George Bremner 

A denominational minister, confirmed in Christ Church 1887. 
Ordained Deacon 1888, May 27th. 
Ordained Priest 1889, March 17th. 

The Rev. William Payson Evans 

A denominational minister, confirmed in Christ Church 1892. 

Ordained Deacon 1892, October 27th. 

Ordained Priest 1893, May 29th. 
The Rev. Arthur Belding Rudd 

Confirmed in Christ Church 1888. 

Ordained Deacon 1898, June 5th. 

Ordained Priest 1899, May 28th. 
The Rev. Gilbert Valentine RusselIi 

Confirmed in Christ Church 1889. 

Ordained Deacon 1900, June 10th. 

Ordained Priest 1903, June 7th. 

The Rev. Samuel C. Fish 

Confirmed in Christ Church 1891. 

Ordained Deacon 1907, May 26th. 

Ordained Priest 1908, May 28th. 
The Rev. George Blackburn Eonkead, 3d 

Born and brought up in this parish; son of John Kinkead, M.D., 

and Anna (Dodge) Kinkead. 

Confirmed in Christ Church 1894. 

Ordained Deacon 1904, May 29th. 

Ordained Priest 1904, November 17th. 

318 



The Records ofChrist Church 
THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS 

AliBEBT W. FaLLER 

Confirmed in Christ Church 1898. 

Matriculated at St. Stephen's College, Annandale, N. Y., in 1902, 
with the intention of studying for Orders. 
Died August 16th, 1905. 
Cmtford French 

Confirmed in Christ Church 1898. 

Member of the class of 1911 of the General Theological Seminary, 

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE PARISH RECORDS 

Secretary's Records 

Three volumes of Vestry Minutes 

Volume 1, 1773-1845 

Volume 2, 1845-1906 

Volume 3, 1906- 
Manuscript volume. Church Blotter 1809-1827 

Treasurer's Records 

1 A parchment bound volume, containing accounts of salary col- 
lections 1767-1775. Entries made by John Davis. 

2 A manuscript volume, containing accounts of salary collections 
in 1768, 1769 and 1771, and of the oflFerings at thirty-one Sunday 
services in 1767-1772. Entries made by Richard Davis. 

3 A manuscript volume, entitled Vestry Book Kept by John Davis 
in the year of our Lord 1773 for Poughkeepsie Church. Entries 
from 1772 to 1776. 

4 A manuscript volume, entitled Accompts of the Glebe For Pough- 
keepsie 1772. Entries made by John Davis. 

5 A manuscript volume, entitled An Account of the Charges and 
Expenses of Building the Church in Poughkeepsie as Kept By 
John Davis. Entries m 1773, 1774, 1775. 

6 A manuscript volume, containing pew rent accounts and collec- 
tions for minister's salary in 1812, 1813, 1826, 1827. 

7 A manuscript volume, containing pew rent accounts and collec- 
tions for minister's salary in 1819, 1820, 1821. 

8 A manuscript volume, containing pew rent accounts and collec- 
tions for minister's salary in 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826. 

9 A bound volume, entitled Church Ledger A, containing ac- 
counts with individual parishioners 1769-1793. Indexed. 

319 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

10 A bound volume, entitled Church Ledger B, containing ac- 
counts with individual parishioners 1793-1807. Indexed. 

11 A bound volume, entitled Church Ledger C, containing ac- 
counts with individual parishioners 1807-1832. Not indexed. 

12 A bound volume, entitled Treasurer's Book E, containing gen- 
eral parochial accounts 1860-1881. 

[Editor's note: The Day Book kept by William Emott, treasurer 
1788-1825, is referred to in 8, 10, 11, but is now lost. 
The Day Book, or Church Ledger D 1825-1860. was lost 
in the fire which destroyed the house of Thomas L. Davies, 
treasurer 1825-1864.] 

13 A bound volume, entitled Ledger B, all accounts, containing 
entries 1880-1889. 

14 A bound volume, entitled Daij Book B, containing general 
parochial accounts 1880-1891. 

15 A bound volume, entitled Cash, containing general parochial 
accounts, 1892-1904. 

16 A bound volume, entitled Cash, containing general parochial 
accounts from January 2d, 1904. 

17-24 8 small volumes, containing pew rent accounts 1860-1899. 

25 A small bound volume, containing Dr. Eeed's account of re- 
ceipts and disbursements, 1828, in behalf of the burying ground. 

26 Volume containing the stubs of the certificates issued by the 
Corporation for the erection of the second church building in 1834. 

27 Volume containing the accoimt of the building fund for the 
third church, from May 9th, 1887, to February 9th, 1889. 

Parish Manuscripts 

Nearly 600 separate documents, supplementary to the records of 
the secretary and treasurer. 

The earliest of these papers is dated 1763, and, thereafter, they 
accumulated gradually for a century. 

When the church on Market street was abandoned, they were 
removed to the new church and forgotten. 

In 1902 the present Rector, the Rev. Alexander G. Cummins, 
rediscovered them, in the organ-motor room, in a condition of 
much disorder. 

They were then cleaned and mounted by Miss Cornelia Dodge 
Kinkead and Miss Helen Wilkinson Reynolds. 

After that, they were sorted by subject and numbered and a 
catalogue of them made. 

320 



The Records of C hr i St Church 

This present volume frequently quotes them and gives reference 
to them by the numbers of the catalogue. Without the fortunate 
discovery of these papers by the Rev. Dr. Cummins, the early his- 
tory of this parish could not have been written with the fuUness 
that they have made possible. 

Parish Register 

A A manuscript volume, entitled The Parish Register of the 
Christnings of Christ Church in Poughkeepsie Commencing 
19th Octr 1766 By William Emott. 

WUliam Emott was very early the clerk of the Church, and 
it was the duty of the clerk to keep the register of baptisms. 
The entries in this volume are from October 19th, 1766, to 
December 11th, 1800. To, and including, August 22d, 1785, 
the writing is that of Mr. Emott. The remaining entries are 
partly in an unidentified hand and partly in that of the Rev. 
John J. Sayrs. 

B A manuscript volume, containing records of baptisms, mar- 
riages and burials, 1796, 1797, 1798, all in the writing of the 
Rev. John J. Sayrs, and bearing his signature. 

C A manuscript volume, endorsed A correct register of Bap- 
tisms, Marriages & funerals, during mij ministry at Pough- 
keepsie, Barzillai Bulkley. The entries are from September 
30th, 1806, to July 30th, 1809. 

The three manuscript volumes, above, have been fastened 
to the fly-leaf of the first bound volume of the register. No. 
1, below. 

1 A bound volume. Parish Register, No. 1, purchased by the 
Rev. Philander Chase in the autumn of 1801. In the front 
of the volume is the following preface: 

Be it observed that The following book of records was com- 
menced on the 20th day of September in the year of our Lord 
1801, 28 years after the date of the letters of incorporation to 
the vestry of Christ's Church in the town of Poughkeepsie, 
county of Dutchess, & state of New York. 

During this interim the office of Rector was successively 
filled by the Rev'd Messrs. John Beardsley, Henry Van Dyck, 
* * * Speering, John Sayrs, & Philander Chase; all of whom, 
excepting the latter, moved away without leaving behind them 
any complete account of baptisms, births, &c, which took place 
during their respective rectorships. 

321 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Of these neglects a great derangement was the consequence. 
A few persons, it should seem, in proper time appUed to the 
Clerk of the Church & had the births and baptisms of their 
children regularlj"^ recorded in a book kept for the purpose; but 
the number who did so bore so small proportion to those who 
neglected, that it was thought most fitting the importance of 
the thing to go back to the beginning & to bring up all the 
records to the present day. 

But in this work there readily appeared many diflBculties & 
some impossibilities. Many had died, many had moved away, 
and the private records of some had been taken out of the way. 

Still, the work, notwithstanding its unavoidable defects, 
was thought so necessary for the good order and prosperity of 
the Church & society at large, that no diflficidties were deemed 
suflBcient to deter from the performance of it. 

Accordingly, on ye 26th day of Sepr the retrospective work 
was begun; and on ye — of — anno Domini all remediable 
deficiencies were supplied. The dates of birth were taken 
from family records, & those of Baptisms & by whom per- 
formed from the most authentic documents which could be 
obtained. 

It was thought proper that heads of families should give in 
the dates of their births, together with the dates of the births 
and baptisms of their own children, whenever they could be 
ascertained, whether those children were present in, or absent 
from, the parish, or whether they had been removed by death. 
This has occasioned some repetition, where the children of 
aged parents have remained and become heads of famihes in 
the parish; but this, in some measure, was inseparable from 
perspicuity. 

It is to be observed also that the names of none but those 
of whose baptisms the Church entertained no doubt are insert- 
ed in this book. 
This volume contains: 

"An Account of heads of famihes now living in & belonging 
to ye parish of Christ's Church." (Compiled by the Rev. 
Philander Chase.) 
Baptisms 1799-1847 

Marriages 1800-1847 

Confirmations 1846 

List of Communicants for 1846, 1847; (compiled by the 
Rev. Homer Wheaton). 

322 



The Records ofChrist Church 

2 A bound volume, Parish Register, No. 2, containing: 
Baptisms 1847-1887 

Cqnfirmations 1847-1887 

Marriages 1847-1888 

Burials 1847-1888 

Communicants 1847-1859 

D Supplementary to Parish Register, No. S, is a volume of 
burial records, the entries in which extend from October 8th, 
1824, to November 8th, 1854. The entries were made by 
the several sextons of Christ Church and include mention 
of interments conducted by them, not only in the English 
biu-ying groimd, but in the Dutch yard and in family 
enclosures at scattered points, the sextons having apparently 
been village undertakers. 

S A bound volume, Parish Register, No. 3, containing: 
Baptisms 1888-1900 

Confirmations 1888-1900 

Marriages 1888-1900 

Burials 1888-1900 

4 A bound volume. Parish Register, No. Jf., containing: 
Baptisms 1900- 

Confirmations 1901- 

Marriages 1900- 

Burials 1900- 

Communicants 1905- 

[Editor's note: 

In America, in the colonial period, in the absence of an Episco- 
pate, confirmation was unobtainable. 

In 1787, immediately after his consecration. Bishop Provoost 
promised a visitation to Christ Church, but there is no evidence 
that he came until 1793, when he reported to the Diocesan Con- 
vention that he had been to Poughkeepsie, but did not state whether 
he had administered confirmation. 

When the American Episcopate was first established, large 
numbers of persons were confirmed, but many years followed in 
which the Bishops seldom administered the rite; they valued their 
Episcopal powers only in connection with ordination. Bishop 
White, himself, never received confirmation.^ 

There is reason to believe that Bishop Moore confirmed in 
Christ Church in 1805. Between 1805 and 1855 confirmation was 

1 McConnell's History of the American Episcopal Church,. 
p. 282. 

323 



The Records ofChrist Church 

held here thirteen recorded times.' Since 1855 the visitations 
have been annual. 

Up to 1846 the names of those confirmed are not recorded and 
the communicant membership of Christ Church is not accurately 
known. 

In 1846 the Rev. Homer Wheaton became Rector and insti- 
tuted a communicant register, which he continued through his 
rectorate. 

The list begun in 1847 by Mr. Wheaton's successor, the Rev. 
Samuel Buel (Rector 1847-1866), ends in 1859. 

Dr. Cady, Dr. Ziegenfuss and Mr, Weikert, whose rectorates 
extended from 1866 to 1900, made no entries in the Register of the 
names of communicants, as such, but recorded confirmations. 

From August 1st, 1858, to March 11th, 1900, one thousand 
one hundred and seventy-three persons were confirmed and, in 
1905, the editor of this present volume compiled a list of these 
1173 names, with annotations regarding each individual's relation 
to the parish in 1905, so far as careful enquiry could determine 
the same. 

The Rector of the parish endorsed this list, and entered in Vol- 
ume 4 of the Register the names of all those who, in 1905, were 
known to claim membership in Christ Church, with the addition of 
the names of those confirmed persons who had been received into 
the parish from outside sources. 

This list of 1905 is subject to the inaccuracies of any like work, 
but is as correct as conscientious efifort could make it. 

In 1811, Dr. Reed reported to the diocese seventy communicants 
in Christ Church; in 1910 the number is seven hundred and twenty- 
.eight.] 



GIFTS AND MEMORIALS 

Forming Part of the Fabric or Furnishings 
Of the Present Church Building 



WINDOWS 

A subject scheme for the windows was prepared by the architect 
when the church was built, the name of the parish forming the basis 
for the plan. With but two exceptions the windows are all the work 
of Clayton and Bell, of London, and were placed by Maitland Arm- 
strong and Company, of New York. 

1 Journal of the Convention of the Diocese of New York, 1805- 
1855 and Parish Register. 



The Records oj Christ Church 

The Chancel Window 

Placed in 1888; given by surviving children of the Rt. Rev. Alonzo 
Potter, and of the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter. Consists of a rose window : 
subject, "Majesty"; and of three Gothic lancets: subjects, "The Good 
Shepherd," between St. James and St. John. 

Inscription on dexter light,— "Alonzo Potter, III Bishop of Pennsyl- 
vania, 1845-1865. Born July 6, 1800. Died July 4, 1865." 
Inscription on sinister light, — "Horatio Potter, VI Bishop of New 
York, 1854-1887. Born February 9, 1801. Died January 2, 1887." 

The West Window 

Placed in 1890; given by Mr. Albert Tower. Consists of three Gothic 
lancets : subject, the story of the Life of Christ from the Annunciation 
to the Ascension. At Easter 1901 the sons of Mr. Albert Tower placed 
below this window a tablet, dedicating the window to the memory of 
their father and their mother. Inscription,^"To the Glory of God and 
to the Sacred Memory of Albert Tower, November 8, A.D., 1817, 
December 24, A.D. 1891, and Anna Tower, August 28, A.D. 1828, 
May 31, A.D. 1897, This Window is Dedicated. The Righteous Live 
forevermore; Their Reward is with the Lord, And the Care of Them 
is with the Most High." 

Windows in the North Aisle 
Events in the Public Ministry of Christ 

1 Placed in 1888; given by Mrs. John Reade Stuj^vesant and her 
children, — Mrs. Robert Sanford (Helen M. Hooker Stuyvesant), Mrs. 
Francis Butler (Katharine Livingston Stuyvesant), John Reade 
Stuyvesant 2d, and Miss Anna Elizabeth Stuyvesant. 

Subject, Christ and the Children. Inscription, — "Of Such is the 
Kingdom of Heaven . " "In Memory of John Reade Stuyvesant. Born 
June 10, 1798. Died December 8, 1853." 

2 Placed in 1890; given by William Gibson. Subject, the Raising 
of Lazarus. Inscription, — "When He thus had Spoken He Cried with a 
Loud Voice, Lazarus Come Forth." "Jane Gibson 1855. Mary 
Gibson 1886. Mary Gibson Richards 1888. William Gibson 1898." 
By the courtesy of Guy C. Bayley, M.D.. William Gibson's own name 
was added, after his death, to those already on the window. 

3 Placed in 1889; given by Roland R. Dennis. Subject, tlie Trans- 
figuration. Inscription, — "James McKim Dennis, Died October 22, 
1882. Cyrus Cornell Dennis, Died December 30, 1884." 

325 



The Records ojChrist Church 

V Placed in 1889; given by John C. Otis, M.D., and Katharine Havi- 
land Otis, his wife. Subject, the Raising of Jairus Daughter. In- 
scription, — "Damsel, I Say Unto Thee, Arise." "Annie S. Otis, April 
21, 1884." 

5 Placed in 1888; subject, the Sermon on the Mount. Inscription, — 
"Blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it." "In Mem- 
ory of Edward Rollinson. Born July 6, 1860. Died February 20, 
1888." 

Edward Innis Rollinson was a communicant of the Episcopal Church; 
he died of yellow fever at Georgetown, British Guiana, South America, 
and his body could not be brought home for burial. The window was 
given by his mother, Mrs. Joseph Rollinson, and his sisters, Mrs. Henry 
BarroU, Mrs. Henry Booth, Mrs. Louis Sweeny and Mrs. Morris 
Poucher. 

Windows in the South Transept 
Old Testament Prophetic Types 

1 The west light; not yet placed. Subject assigned, the Creation. 

2 The south window. Placed in 1889; given by Mrs. Adolphus 
Hamilton. Consists of a rose window: subject, a Madonna and 
Child; and of three Gothic lancets: subject, a Jesse Tree, the ances- 
tral line of Christ. Inscription, — "To the Glory of God and ia Mem- 
ory of Adolphus Hamilton." 

3 An east light. Placed in 1908; given by Mrs. Charles H. Buck- 
ingham. Subject, Abraham's Sacrifice of Isaac. Inscription, — 
"My Son, God will provide Himself a Lamb." "In Loving Memory of 
Charles Hemy Buckingham. September 13th, 1842. May 12th, 1904." 

4 An east light. Placed in 1903; given by Mrs. William B. Carpen- 
ter. Subject, the Brazen Serpent. Inscription, — "Moses Made a 
Serpent of Brass and Put It upon a Pole." "William B. Carpenter. 
November 26, 1843. February 7, 1902." 

5 An east light. Placed in 1897; given by the Sunday School and its 
friends. Subject, the Translation of Elijah. Inscription, — "I pray 
Thee let a double portion of Thy Spirit be upon Me." "To the Glory 
of God and in Loving Memory of Robert Van Kleeck. July 19, 1841. 
Sept. 23, 1893." 

326 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Windows in the North Transept 

Hymns sung by the Primitive Christian Church and Incorporated 
in the Prayer Book Offices for Morning and Evening Prayer 

1 An east hght. Placed in 1890; given by the King's Daughters 
Subject, the Magnificat. Inscription, — "My soul Doth Magnify the 
Lord and My Spirit Hath Rejoiced in God my Saviour." 

2 An east light. Placed in 1908; given by the Rev. Walter Mitchell 
and Amy Carpenter Mitchell, his wife. Subject, the Nunc Dimittis. 
Inscription, — "Lord, Now Lettest Thou Thy Servant Depart in Peace." 
"To the Glory of God and in Memory of Pliilipina Fields Carpenter." 

Mrs. Carpenter's body was interred in a burying ground of the Friends 
in New England and, according to the custom of the Friends, the 
grave was not marked. This window fulfilled the wish of her daughter, 
Mrs. Mitchell, that her name should be perpetuated. Mrs. Mitchell, 
at her death, entrusted to her husband the placing of the window, and 
a further touch of feeling is added to the sentiment attached to it 
by the fact that, the day it was unveiled, Mr. Mitchell's funeral 
service was held in the church. 

3 The north window. Placed in 1890; given by Mrs. George M. 
Van Kleeck and Mrs. Edgar M. Van Kleeck. Consists of a rose window 
and three Gothic lancets. Subject, the Te Deum. Inscription, — 
"When Thou Hadst Overcome the Sharpness of Death Thou Didst 
Open the Kingdom of Heaven to All Believers." "In Memoriam 1890. 
George M. Van Kleeck. Edgar M. Van Kleeck." 

4 A west light, not yet placed. Subject assigned, the Benedictus. 

5 A west Hght. Placed in 1901; given by Mrs. Benjamin R. Tenney? 
Subject, the Benedicite. Inscription, — "O Ananias, Azarias, & Misael' 
Bless ye The Lord." "To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of 
Benjamin Rowe Tenney. March 28, 1822. December 13, 1898.'* 
This window is of American glass; designed and made by Maitland 
Armstrong and Company of New York. 

Windows in the Ambulatory 
On the south wall. Placed in 1888; given by the Sunday School, as- 
sisted by Mrs. Albert Tower. Seven small lights; subjects, "the 
Seven Angels who stand in the Presence of God." Four lancets, 
representing the Archangels, St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael 
and St. Uriel. Three quatre-foils, representing the three angels, un- 

327 



The Records of Christ Church 

named in Christian art, bearing insignia of the Trinity before whom 
they stand. 

Over ambulatory door. Placed in 1897; given by William B. Carpen- 
ter. Subject, one of Raphael's angel heads. Inscription, — "In 
Loving Memory of Virginia Carpenter. April 20, 1878. November 
16, 1882." 

Windows in the Baptistry 
Placed in 1897; given by James ^W. Hinkley. Seven small lights; 
subjects, baptismal types, — Noah, Patriarch, representmg the Ark; 
Moses, Patriarch, representing the Red Sea; Aaron, Priest, represent- 
ing the Cloudy Pillar; St. John the Baptist, representing the Baptism 
of Christ; St. Philip, representing the Baptism of the Eunuch; St. 
Peter, representing the Baptism of Cornelius; St. Paul, representing 
the Baptism of the Jailer. 

A brass plate, beneath the middle one of the seven windows, marks 
them all. Inscription,— "In Loving Memory of Mary A. Hinkley. 
February 14, 1831— March 18, 1896." 

Windows in the Main Vestibule 
Four small lancets; subjects assigned, the Four Evangelists. 
Two lights in the east wall, placed in 1888; given by the Sunday School, 
assisted by Mrs. Albert Tower. Subjects, St. Matthew and St. Mark. 
Two lights in the west wall, not yet placed. Subjects, St. Luke and 
St. John. 

Windows in the Cloister Aisle 
Four small lights; placed in 1888; given by the Sunday School, as- 
sisted by Mrs. Albert Tower. Subjects, the Latin Fathers of the 
Church,— St. Gregory, St. Augustine, St. Jerome and St. Ambrose. 

The Jeweled Cross 
A lancet in the west end of the nave, near the peak of the roof, not 
included in the original window scheme. It was cut as a ventilator, 
and was filled at first with plain glass. In 1889 stained glass was placed 
in it, the work of Maitland Armstrong and Company. The design of 
a cross was selected by Dr. Ziegenfuss, who named the window the 
"Jeweled Cross" from its rich coloring. It was the gift of the King's 
Daughters. 

The Windows in the Roof 
Cut for light and ventilation, after plans by William A. Potter. Filled 
with clouded glass from the Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. 
Given by the Ladies' Aid Society in 1895. 

328 



The Records ofChrist Church 

ECCLESIASTICAL FURNISHINGS 

The Altar. Given in 1888, by the Ladies' Aid Society. 

The credence-table. Given in 1888, by the King's Daughters. 

The Bishop's chair. Given in 1888, by Mrs. S. C. Abel. Inscription, 
"In Loving Memory of J. Grace & Adele A. Abel. The Gift of Theif 
Mother." 

The sedilia. Given in 1906, by Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham. 

The Altar-rail. Given in 1888, by Le Grand Dodge. 

The choir-stalls and rood-screen. Given in 1888, by the Ladies 
Aid Society. 

The eagle lectern. Given in 1888, by surviving children of Charlei 
Crooke, — Mrs. James Emott (Helen Mary Crooke), John J. Crooke, 
Miss Julia Crooke, Robert Crooke, Lewis Crooke, Mrs. Augustus 
Doughty (Margaret Livingston Crooke). 
Inscription, — "In Memoriam. 1870-1887." 
Those in whose memory it was given were : 

Charles Crooke; deceased October 11, 1875. 

Anna Neher, wife of Charles Crooke; deceased October 14, 1870. 

Cornelia Crooke, wife of Le Grand Dodge; deceased November 
15, 1880. 

Henry Suydam Crooke; deceased April 27, 1884. 

Sarah Elizabeth Reynolds, wife of Lewis Crooke; deceased Novem- 
ber 6, 1885. 

Lewis Crooke; deceased December 28, 1887. 

The brass pulpit. Given at Easter, 1906, by Mrs. James W. Hinkley. 

The brass Utany-desk. Given at Easter, 1907, by Mrs. Charles H. 
Buckingham. 

The font. Given in 1845, by ladies of the parish. 

Hymn-boards. Two for the nave, given in 1888. Two for the 
transepts, given at Easter, 1901. AU four given by Dr. and Mrs. 
John C. Otis. 

CHURCH PLATE 

A flagon, not used. Made in the first quarter of the nineteenth cen- 
tury by John W. Forbes, silversmith, of New York City. 

329 



The Records ofCkrist Church 

Two chalices. Not used. No hall-marks. Probably date from Dr. 
Reed's rectorate. Possibly represent the silver of the beaker and 
two cups presented to the Church in 1775. 

A paten. Not used. Made by Ball, Tompkins & Black of New York 
City, a firm in existence 1839-1851. 

A paten, now used. Made in the first quarter of the nineteenth cen- 
tury by John W. Forbes, silversmith, of New York City. 

Two silver cruets. Given by Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham. In- 
scription, — "Presented to Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Easter, 
1907." 

A chalice and a paten. Given by Mrs. Charles M. Niles and Miss Helen 
Choate Parker. Inscription,— "To the Glory of God and in loving 
memory of Edward Hazen Parker and Sarah Olcott his wife. Given 
by their daughters, Easter, 1897." 

A carved and jeweled chalice. Given by the Rev. George Blackburn 
Kinkead and Miss Cornelia Dodge Kinkead at Easter, 1905. Inscrip- 
tion,— "A.M.D.G. In Memoriam Le Grand Dodge, Natus 1815, 
Obit 1892." 

A chalice. Given by Mrs. James W. Hmkley. Inscription,— "Deo 
Gratias. Datum Ecclesiae Christi, Poughkeepsie, Neo-Eboracensi 
Die Nativitatis Domini MCMVI." 

A spoon. Given by Miss Jane L. Hinkley in 1907. 

Two silver alms-basins. Given by Mrs. John Reade. Inscription,— 
"A donation to Christ Church from Catherine Reade 1818." 

Two silver alms-basins. Given by Mrs. James Hooker. Inscription, 
"Presented to Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, by Helen S. Hooker. 
Christmas, 1870." 

Two silver alms-basins. Given anonymously. Inscription,— "Pre- 
sented to Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Easter. 1908." 

BRASSES 

Altar-cross, and two flower-vases. Given anonymously at Easter- 
Tide, 1877. 

Two flower-vases. Given by Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham at Christ- 
mas, 1906. 

330 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Altar-desk. Given by Miss Charlotte Davies in October, 1877; im- 
ported by her from London. Inscription, — "Presented to Christ 
Church, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., by C. D." 

Alms-basin, Given by Mrs. John Thompson at Easter, 1878, in 
memory of her father, James Bailey, of Plattsburgh, N. Y. 

Baptismal ewer. Given by a Sunday School class. Inscription, — ■ 
"Easter, 1885. Mary J. AUen, Teacher. Julia Sague. Millie Hemze. 
Hattie Howard. Tillie Sweet. Etta Delmar. Mary Rupley. Mary 
Page. Carrie Baumbusch. Mary Ranns. Minnie Weyant. Nettie 
Bloomer. Annie Atkins. Kittie Tucker. Katie Pike." 

Processional cross. Given by Augustus Doughty, Peter B. Hayt, 
James G. Porteous M.D. and James L. Williams in 1894. Inscrip- 
tion, — "In Memoriam Ven. Henry L. Ziegenfuss, D.D., Rector of 
Christ Church 1875-1894." 



BOOKS 

Altar service-book. Inscription, — "Presented by Albert Edward 
Tower, Easter, 1896." 

Lectern Bibles. At Easter, 1889, a Bible was given by Mrs. John 
Kinkead and Miss Edith Hamilton, in memory of their father, 
Adolphus Hamilton, which was in continuous use for twenty-one years. 
At Easter, 1910, a Bible was given by Mrs. Charles J. Meade, in memory 
of her father. Inscription, — "In Memoriam William John Smith. 
Obit January 10, 1910. Easter Day, 1910." 

Litany -desk service-book. Given by Mrs. Henry T. Wilson, 189 (?). 
Inscription, — "In Memoriam Edward Livingston Van Buren. March 
10th, 1873." 

TABLETS 

Cornwell In Loving Memory of 

Placed in 1904 Antoinette CornweU 

Who Died May Ninth MCMIV 

"Make Her to be Numbered 

With Thy Saints 

In Glory Everlasting." 

331 



The Records ofChrist Church 



Davies Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam 

Placed in 1907 I. H. S. 

1763 William Davies 1857 

Warden and Vestryman for 19 years 

and 

1792 General Thomas L. Davies 1880 

His son 

Warden and Vestryman for 47 years 

Reverently presented to Christ Church 

By their Great-Great-Grandson and Great-Grandson 

Peter Townsend Coxe 

Son of 

Macgrane Coxe and Lena Townsend Crawford Coxe 

1907 

For they rest from their labours. 



Parker 
Placed in 1899 



In 

Memoriam 

Edward Hazen Parker 

M. D. 

March 7, 1823 

November 10, 1896, 

For many years a 

Faithful and Devout 

Communicant, Vestryman 

And Warden of this Church. 



Phinney 
Placed in 1893 



To the 

Glory of God 

And In 

Loving Memory Of 

Lydia 
Ingraham Phinney. 



332 



The Records ojChrist Church 



Potter 

Placed in 1904 This Tablet is placed here 

to commemorate the ministry within these walls of 

The Rev'd EHphalet Nott Potter, D.D., LL.D. 

Son of the Right Reverend Alonzo Potter D.D., LL.D. 

Sometime President of Union University & later of Hobart College.N.Y. 

who during a vacancy in the Rectorship of the parish 

in the year 1900 

oflSciated here with signal acceptance and 

unwearied devotion. 

Born, September 20, 1836. Died February 6, 1901. 

"And I raised up of your sons for Prophets, saith the Lord." 

Amos ii, 11. 



Reed In Memory 

Placed in 1845 Of 

John Reed, D.D. 

Died 6th July 1845; 

Aged 68 years 

Thirty-five years the faithful 

and devoted 

Rector of this Church. 

Erected by the Vestry, 

in testimony of the universal affection 

and veneration of the Parish. 



Reynolds L H. S. 

Placed in 1901 In Loving Memory 

Of 

John Richardson Rej'nolds 

March 17, A.D. 1847 

April 30, A.D. 1889 

I Know That My 

Redeemer Liveth. 



333 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

g^jgg^; To the Glory of God 

Placed in 1894 >i< 

In Loving Memory Of 

William I. Street 

1808-1863 

and his wife 

Susan Watts Kearney 

1818-1893 

"Be thou faithful unto death 

and I will give thee a crown of Life." 

Erected by their children, 

William A. Street & Anna Livingston Morton. 



OTHER GIFTS 

The Ziegenfuss Memorial Library. 

After the death of Dr. Ziegenfuss two of his devotedly attached friends, 
John Calhoun Otis, M.D., and the late Putnam Frost Spaulding, were 
the leaders of a movement to keep intact his library of three thousand 
volumes and place it in the custody of the Church. The hbrary was 
purchased May 23d, 1894, from the executors of Dr. Ziegenfuss's estate, 
for $2,500.00, and, later, was formally presented to Christ Church, as a 
memorial to Dr. Ziegenfuss, by the Library Association formed by Dr. 
Otis and Mr. Spalding. The presentation of the library was made in 
the name of: 

Henry Booth Samuel K. Rupley 

George Cornwell John K. Sague 

Irving Elting Putnam Frost Spaulding 

Mrs. Irving Elting Mrs. Charles W. Swift 

Peter B. Hayt Hudson Taylor 

John Kinkead, M.D. The Rev. Samuel A. Weikert 

Edward T. Mason The Rev. J. C. S. Weills 

John C. Otis, M.D. James L. Williams 

Sylvester Pier Hiram S. Wiltsie 

Mosaic floor, in main vestibule of the church. Given by Mrs. Albert 
Tower in 1897. 

Large photograph of a portrait of the Rev. John Reed, S. T. D. Pre- 
sented in 1906 by his great-grandson, the Hon. Macgrane Coxe. Hung 
in the parish house. 

334 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

Large, antique, oil painting. Given at Easter, 1903, by Mr. John W. 
Dale. Subject, the appearance of Christ to Mary Magdalene on the 
first Easter morning. Hung in the parish house, 

MEMORANDA OF REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS 

Made to Christ Church 
The Gift of Mrs. Charles H. Buckingham 

In the Church 
1906 

A quartered oak floor. New Axminster carpet. New hassocks. Pew 
cushions renovated. Lower pew partitions cut out. Mosaic floors in 
north and south transept vestibules. Oak entrance doors cleaned and 
varnished. New steam heating system, with increased capacity and 
equipment. Full electric lighting system and fixtures. 

Upper portion of choir-screen, with the rood, removed. Carved oak 
§edilia. New Altar-hangings and curtains for chancel wall. Two cut 
glass vases for the Altar. Two brass vases for the Altar. Lectern, 
Altar-rail and Altar-brasses done over. 

Carpet protector of heavy duck for chancel floor, when chancel is 
being used other than for Church services. A supply of fibre plant 
saucers for protection of chancel carpet, on occasion of festival decora- 
tions. Two umbrella racks for main vestibule. Miscellaneous minor 
repairs to walls, pews, doorways, windows, etc, 

1907 

Two silver cruets for the celebration of the ;Holy Communion and a 

brass htany-desk, at Easter. 

1908 

A memorial stained glass window. 

' In the Parish House 
1906 

New steam heating system throughout, with increased capacity and 
equipment. New plumbing system throughout, including the addition 
of a forty-gallon boiler supplying running hot water for all basins. 

Three toilet rooms, finished with tiled floors and wainscoting, steel 
ceilings and side walls, marble panelings, combination gas and elec- 
tric lighting, plate glass incidental fixtures, four dozen hand towels, 
etc. 

335 



The Records ofChrist Church 

New room, for general parish uses, made from unfinished portions of 
cellar; finished in hard wood, with steel ceiling, combination gas 
and electric lighting and large lockers; one new window cut, three 
old windows enlarged, window areas rebuilt and new area drains made. 
New floor laid in the choir-vestry; choir- vestry painted and kalso- 
mined; chimney repaired; new lockers added; a door cut into the 
cellar, &c. 

Dark cellar passage from choir-vestry to new room finished in hard 
wood, with steel ceiling, and made into a light hallway. Kitchen 
enlarged by the removal of old partition walls and winding stairs; 
new floor laid; broad staircase built; one window enlarged, another 
cut in area door; all areas rebuilt and redrained; new electric lights 
added; the room painted; dumbwaiter to parish house put in; three 
folding Mission screens, new range, new sink, new refrigerator and new 
cooking utensils provided. 

Window sashes in Sunday School room rehung; floor stained; three 
Mission tables, three Mission folding screens, 150 folding chairs, a hand 
truck and five portable coat racks provided. 

Ambulatory floor done over; walls painted, woodwork treated; new 
lockers built; large skylight ventilator cut. 

Hard wood floor laid in the study; study walls painted; fireplace 
retiled ; new gas fixtures put in. 

Hard wood floor laid in the robing-room; robing-room walls painted; 
two lockers added, new plumbing fixtures installed; large skylight 
ventilator cut. 

1907 

A skylight cut and large windows made in the study. A door and a 

landscape window cvit in ambulatory between church and parish 

house. 

1908 

150 camp chairs. 

Miscellaneous 
1906 

A connection with the Carroll street sewer instituted and improved 
connection made with Academy street. 

Roof of church and roof of parish house repaired, and copper vaUeys 
added. Copper gutters put on roof of parish house and of study . All 

y 336 



The Records of Christ Church 

stone steps and portions of other stone work pointed. Front en- 
trance steps entirely rebuilt, on a foundation of crushed stone. East 
lawn filled in; main drive and side path regravelled. Road cut from 
Carroll street to kitchen and cellar entrances. Lattice enclosure built 
near cellar area; kitchen area storm door rebuilt; north transept area 
cemented and new drain laid from it, part of cellar floor cemented; 
new coal bin built. 

Ornamental trees planted. 

1907 

Walls of church and tower pointed. Copper gutters put on the church. 

Circle drive repaired and graded. New footpath made on north side. 

A flag sidewalk laid on the Montgomery street boundary of the church 

square. 

Trees and shrubs set out. 
1908 

A flag sidewalk, curb and gutter laid on the Carroll street boundary 
of the church square. 

A flag pole erected on the north side of the square, with flag. 

Trees and shrubs set out. 

1910 

The sidewalk on the Academy street boundary of the church square 
relaid. 

Shrubs set out. 

A vacuum cleaner provided. 



ENDOWMENT FUND 

Christ Church receives the income from the following invested funds : 
Under the will of Mrs. Walter Trivett a fund was 
received in 1847, the income from which the will 
du-ected should be used "for the support of aged 
poor persons." $2,000.00 

Under the will of John Guy Vassar a fund was re- 
ceived in 1890, the income from which the will direc- 
ted should be used "for the purchase of books, 
tracts, papers, etc. for the Sunday School." 476 25 

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The Records of C hr i s t Church 

Under the will of Mrs. Edgar M. Van Kleeck a fund 
was received in 1899, the income from which the 
will directed should be used for "setting apart and 
keeping free for the use of strangers, perpetually, 
one of the largest pews in the church edifice, well 
located, and keeping the same sufficiently provided 
with books and other comfortable pew furniture; 
and in case of failure to observe and keep the said 
condition, said sum shall be forfeited." $3,000 . 00 

Under the will of William B. Carpenter a fund was 
received m 1902, to be known as "The Virginia Car- 
penter Fund," the income from which the will di- 
rected should be used for "refreshments for the 
children of the Sunday School at their yearly Christ- 
mas festival and at their yearly summer picnic." 500 . 00 
The Rectory Maintenance Fund; a gift in 1902 
from Mrs. Martha Barnard Jones. 500 . 00 

Total $6,476.25 

The General Endowment Fund 
The General Endowment Fund of the parish was established by the 
Rector and the vestry in February, 1905, since which date it has 
grown to be $2,694.96, by the accumulation of many small sums from 
scattered sources. The following rules were adopted by the vestry 
for the government of this fund : 

Rule 1 
All funds placed by gift, bequest, or the action of the Rector and 
Vestry in this Fund shall be invested : First, in Savings Banks approved 
by the State of New York; Secondly, in approved bonds, recommended 
by the Finance Committee, and approved by the President of the 
Poughkeepsie Savings Bank and the President of the Farmers' and 
Manufacturers' National Bank of Poughkeepsie, jointly. 

Rule 2 
This Fund shall remain intact until it shall have reached the sum of 
$10,000.00, the interest being added to the Fund and reinvested each 
year as provided for in Rule 1. After the investment fund reaches the 
sum of $10,000.00, one-half the interest may be used as the Rector and 
Vestry may determine, the other half shall be reinvested and added to 
the principal as specified in Rule 1. After the invested funds reach 

338 



The Records oj Christ Church 

the sum of $25,000.00, the interest may be used as the Rcetor and 
Vestry may determine, except ten per cent of the total interest, which 
shall be reinvested as provided for in Rule 1. 

Rule 3 
All sums given for searching the Register of the Church, for certifi- 
cates, for the use of the church at weddings or funerals, and at least 
one plate collection each year, shall be added to and become a part of 
this Endowment Fund, — as shall all bequests made directly and speci- 
fically for the Fund. 

Rule 4 
The form of bequest shall be : I give and bequeath to the Rector and 
Inhabitants of Poughkeepsie in Communion with the Protestant 
Episcopal Church of the State of New York, commonly known as 

Christ Church, the sum of dollars, to constitute and form a 

part of a Permanent Endowment Fimd, whereof the interest and in- 
come only shall be used for, and apphed to, the purposes of said Chiu-ch. 

Rule 5 
The Clerk of the Vestry shall procure and keep a suitable book in 
which shall be entered all bequests, with the name of the donor, all 
sums applied to this Fund, and from what source derived, and also 
when, and how, invested. He shall also inscribe in the beginning of 
said book the resolution creating this Fund, and the rules governing it. 

Since the establishment of the General ^Endowment Fund, two 
memorial gifts have been pledged: 

The Louisa Hayes Cummins Memorial, given by 
the Rev. Alexander G. Cummias; this memorial 
will form part of the General Endowment and will 
be governed by the Rules of that Fund; it is to 
amount when completed to $1,000.00 

The P. Frost Spaulding Memorial, given by 
Mr. Arthur Frost Spaulding; this memorial is a 
separate and distinct Fund, the income from which 
is to be used toward the support of the music 
in the Church; it is to amount when completed to $1,000.00 

These two memorial funds are being given upon the principal of 
gradual accumulation, which, it is hoped, may commend itself 
generally, as one that affords opportunity for the creation of 
memorials more conveniently than the presentation of a fixed sum at 
one time. 

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The Records of C hr i s t Church 

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC., OF CHRIST 

CHURCH, POUGHKEEPSIE, AND TRINITY CHURCH, 

FISHKILL, REGARDING THEIR JOINT 

INTERESTS IN THE GLEBE 

1. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 23. 

1773, Aug. 17, It being represented to this Board that the purchase 
of ye first or Old Glebe being originally designed for the Benefit of 
Poughkeepsie, the Nine Partners, Beekmans Precinct and Rombout 
Precinct, and it afterwards being Compleated for the Benefit of Pough- 
keepsie Precinct and Rumbout Precinct only (with the Consent of the 
Nine Partners and Beekmans Precinct), it was agreed between Pough- 
keepsie Precinct and Rombout Precinct that the said Glebe, so pur- 
chased, should ever remain and be an Entire Glebe for the Use of the 
Rector having the Cure of the Churches of the said two Precincts of 
Poughkeepsie and Rombout. But that in Case the Congregations of 
the said respective Precincts of Poughkeepsie and Rombout should at 
any time find themselves able to support two Rectors, and should 
mutually agree to Call one more so as to have one Rector for each 
Church, independent of the other, then the Church of Poughkeepsie 
should thereupon refund or pay back to the Church of Rumbout 
Precinct such sum of money as they have advanced both for the pur- 
chase of the said Glebe and for what they paid for the finishing the 
Building thereon : —This Board taking the same into Consideration are 
of oppinion that the said agreement is Just and reasonable, and do agree 
and Resolve that this Corporation shall and will stand to and perform 
the Said agreement, and order that the Secretary deliver a Copy hereof 
to the Rector for the Use of the Church wardens and vestrymen of the 
Church of Rombout Precinct. 

2. Vestry Minutes, 'ifYol. 1, p. 25. 

1773, Sep. 18, This board having agreed To Consider further Con- 
cerning the Old Glebe with Respect To better Secureing the Church 
wardens and vestry of Rumbout precinct, do resolve that they Know 
of no way or means better to secure them than what was before done 
and do agree to send them the following letter and that the Secretary 
be Order'd accordingly : 

Gent'n 

When you met the Vestry of the Church of Poughkeepsie on 
the Eighteenth of last month you laid before them a mater 
Concerning the Glebe Which Occasioned some uneasiness, to 
witt, you then requested to be made secure to be paid for one 

340 



The Records of Christ Church 

half of the Glebe as it should be valued at. This request the 
Vestry here then lookt on as not agreeable to the original 
agreement made at the time of fixing the Glebe, but the 
Vestry promised to lay the matter before a Vestry as of this 
day. 

The matter was accordingly laid before the Board— and they 
desu-e me to inform you of the result, which is that they 
still look on the agreement as they had entred it in their minits 
and whereof you have a Copy delivered you signed by me' 
And that they cannot receed from it. But that if you conceive 
that that Entry and your Copy is not Sufficient to secure you 
and oblige a performance on our part: That this Corporation 
will and stand ready on their part to sign and seal any Instru- 
ment proper for them that Council shall advise to secure to you 
the full and punctual performance thereof. I am 
Gent 

Yr very Hble Serv* 

John Davis SecrtJ. 
3. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 27. 

1774, Feb. 16, Mr. Beardsley laid before this board a Coppey of a 
writing from Mr. James Duane, Relating to the diference between this 
Corporation and the members of the Congregation of Rumbout pre- 
cmct. When, Considering of the same, this board do agree To Send 
the following letter and Secretary be Order'd Accordingly: 
Gentlemen 

At a Meeting of the Vestry here, the Reverend Mr. Beards- 
ley laid before this Board a Coppey of a writing from James 
Duane Esq'r, which Mr. Terboss dehvered to Mr. Beardsley. 
Which, being read and Considered, the Vestry Conceive that 
they are Under the Strongest Obhgations of Gratitude to Mr. 
Duane for the friendly Office he has Undertaken, and are of 
Oppinion with him that no person can be thought of more 
proper than the Clergy and Vestry of the Church of New York 
to Determme of Controversie between you and this Corpora- 
tion (if any their does exist). If, when Mr. Terbos delivered 
the above Copey he had also delivered to him a memorandum 
in writing of what you demand of Us, we should have been able 
To have Informed you how far we Could Comply with your 
request, but as that has been Omitted, which we Impute to an 
Inadvertency to Mr. Duane's Request, the Vestry now Re- 
quest of you that you would lay before their Board a state of 

341 



The Records oj Christ Church 

your Demands in writing, Subscribed by the persons with 
whom this Corporation are to treat on the subject, that the 
same may be duly attended to and Considered of: and we are 
not without hopes that matters may be Amicably adjusted 
between Ourselves without giving those worthy Gentelmen 
any Trouble about it. 

At the Same time the Vestry, Considering how Absolutely 
Necessary it is for the Security and promotion of the Church 
here that their Clergyman be secured in the payment of his 
full Salary, and Understanding that since Beekmans Precinct 
dismissed Mr. Beardsley no proper security has been given him 
to secure the payment to him of that Quarter, we Can't help 
mentioning this matter to you as a thing of moment ; we on our 
parts have made proper provition for the Quota of the Nine 
Partners from the time of his dismission from thence, and 
recommend to you to do the same with Regard to the other. 
With the failure of one, may deprive us both of a Clergyman, 
and be a means of our being represented in an Unfavorable 
light to the Venerable Society on whom we so much depend. 

I am &c John Davis. 
P.S. 

it is Our Stated time of 
Meeting in Vestry on the third Saturday 
in nex March which will be on the 
19th of the Month if you have any Matter 
to lay before the Board plese to send it 
before that time. 

4. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 28. 

1774, Mch. 19, The Vestry being opened the Rector laid before the 
board a letter from the Church Wardens (& Vestrymen) of the Church 
of Rombouts Precinct. 

[Editor's note: This original letter is on file; Christ Church 
Mss., GlebePapers, Section C, No. 3.] 

FishkiUs March ye 14th, 1774 
Gentlemen 

Yours of the 16th Ulto we have Received by Mr. Childs by 
which you Inform us that a Copy of a writing from Jam's 
Duane Esq'r has been Laid before your Board. 

We are glad to find that there is some hopes of Settling the 
Dispute between us without troubling those worthy Gentle- 

342 



The Records of Christ Church 

men Mr. Duane proposed to Determine our Dispute. We 
also find by your Letter that you are at a Loss to know what 
this Congregation does Demand of you; we did ever Suppose 
you was well acquainted with our Demand, but for your fur- 
ther Instruction we do here give you a Short Account of what 
we do demand, which is to be made Secure to one half of the 
Glebe with a good and SuflBcient Title such as we and our 
Council shall think proper, and, if this Demand does not suit, 
we are willing to have the whole Glebe sold and our part of the 
money arising therefrom to be put out and the Interest arising 
from it to be paid to the Rev'd Mr. Beardsley (if he shall 
think proper to accept of it) instead of the Glebe, as long as he 
shall be our Clergyman. 

You further add you conceive it to be needful for us to Secure 
to our Clergyman the full payment of his Salary. We on our 
part would be heartily glad if it were in our power to Comply 
with your Request, but as Long as we Remain in such Con- 
fusion and our Dispute unsettled we conceive it out of our 
power at Present. 

Pursuant to your Desire we have Stated our Demands and 
have appointed Capt. Dan'l Ter Boss, Doct'r Jer: Cooper, 
and Mr. Jno. Halstead and Mr. Jno. Cooke to treat with you 
on the Subject. 

We are Gentlemen with Respect 

Your most Ob't Serv'ts 

Daniel Ter Boss | ._, , 
T)- 1. jT^- r Wardens. 

Richard King ) 

The letter being read and Considered: it was agreed that a 
Committee be appointed to meet a Committee Appointed by the 
Churchwardens of the Church of Rombout Precinct, To Endeavor 
To Settle the Deference between the two Congregations. Order'd 
that Bartholomew Noxon, Bartholomew Crannell, Richard Davis & 
Thomas Poole be a Committee for the abovesaid purpose and that 
they do Report the Same to this Board. 

5. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 33. 

1775, Mch. 18, Mr. Noxon, in behalf of the Committee which were ap- 
pointed to meet a Committee of the Fishkill Church, Reported that 
they had met the Said Committee at the house of Mr. Cooper in Rom- 
bout Precinct, were they Come to an Agreement That, if this board 
Approved, they were wilhng that, when Both Congregations Should 
agree to part the Mission, the Glebe Should be Appraised by five indifer- 

343 



The Records ofChrist Church 

ent persons to be Appointed by the Rector of Trinity Church in New 
York; on the Report, tis Ordered by this Board that John Child prepare 
a determined and final Answer to be given the Congregation of Fish- 
kill and that he have the Same ready By Saturday, the 27th day of 
May 1775, at the house of Bartholomew Crannell where this Board will 
then meet. 

6. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 34. 

1775, May 27, This Board Taken in Consideration the Report of there 
Committee formerly Appointed to meet a Committee of their Brethren 
of the Church at Fish Kill — 

We are of Oppinion the agreement, which our said Committee Enter (ed) 
into. Ought not, neither Can it be, Comphed with for Reasons following : 
first, that forasmuch as the Original Intention of the Church of Fish 
EjII, Poughquack, Nine Partners & Poughkeepsie (their Circumstances 
Requiring it) was that, on the Establishing a Mission by the Venerable 
Society for propogateing the Gospel in foreign parts, neither of the said 
Churches should be at liberty to separate from the Other without 
Mutual Consent, which agreement we Conceive to have been founded 
in the Clearest Reason for the good of said Churches, as in a Separate 
State neither of them were Conceived of ability to Support a Missionary, 
whereas being joined their Mutual Endeavors would bearly do it with 
credit; 

Second, For that we Still insist on the agreement, made in behalf of the 
Said Churches, by their Representatives, which were deputed by the 
Said Churches to purchase a Glebe for their joint Use, that (after 
the purchase of the Glebe in Poughkeepsie) if at any time the Said 
Churches Should agree and deem themselves of Sufficient Ability to 
Maintain and Support a minister in Each Church, and in Consequence 
of Such ability and agreement to Separate, the Glebe at Poughkeepsie 
to Remain to the Church at Poughkeepsie, the Congregation there 
Returning to the Congregation at fish Kill, Poughquack and Nine 
Partners, their part and share of the Money Advanced in purchasing 
and improving Said Glebe; 

Thirdly, that forasmuch as the persons Now pretending and exercising 
the Right of Managetng the affair of Said Church at Fish Kill have at 
Sundry times declared that, if Such an Agreement as afore Recited was 
Entered into, it was done on their part by persons who had not Suffi- 
cient Authority to make Such an Agreement; So this Board conceive 
the Same Objections may lay in future to any agreement now to be 
made with their Brethren of the Fish Kill Church by their present 
Representatives; are therefore of Oppinion nothing firm and lasting 

344 



The Records ojChrist Church 

Can be determined on till a Charter of Incorporation for the Church 
at fish Kill be first Sued out and Established; 

Lastly, this Board is of Opinion that untill the Church at Fish Kill 
take upon themselves that part of the Mission which Originally was 
Intended for Poquack and give the Rector Security for his Receiving 
his Salary for that Quater of his Services which the Church at Fish Kill 
now Enjoy, So that he may be Enabled to give up the present Security 
which he has from the Gentlemen at Poughquack: and Until the ar- 
rearages of Salary due the Rector for his Services past which have been 
performed at Fishkill : This Board for the Security of the Rector, the 
peace of the Church, and the Satisfiing the Gentlemen who Remaind 
bound in Poughquack, are determined to treat no farther on the mater 
Till those Reasonable and Just Requests are Complied with. 
I am Gentlemen &c yours 

John Davis Secretary. 
To the Churchwardens 
and Vestrymen of the Church 
at Rombout Precinct. 
This letter is date 
Poughkeepsie 
June ye 17 1775 
at Bottom. 

[From December 1777 to March 1780 John Davis occupied the glebe 

7. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 45. 

1780, March 11, Some of the members of Trinity Church at Fishkill 
being desirous to meet with the Vestry of Christ Church of Poughkeep- 
sie in Order to confer with them concerning the renting the Glebe, in 
which they are also intrested — Resolved, therefore, that as many of the 
Members as think it convenient do meet the Said members of the 
Church of Fishkill, and that they do report the same to this board at 
the next meeting. 

8. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 46. 

1780, March 28, Those members of this Board who met their Breth- 
eren of Trinity Church of Fishkill Report that on the tenth (?) Day of 
March in this present year they, that is to say Richard Davis, Simon 
Noxon, William Emott and John Davis, Held a Conference in New 
Hackensack, at House of William Erskin, with Zebulon Southward, 
Gilbert Southward and Jonas Halstead on the part of Fishkill congre- 
gation, and did then and there Unanimously agree that the Parsonage 

345 



The Records ojChrist Church 

be lett to hire for one year, and do appoint John Davis and WiUiam 
Emott their Committee to transact the Business. 

9, Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 53. 

1784, Apr. 20, At this meeting attended the following Gentelmen, a 
Committee of Trinity Church at Fishkill, Major Daniel TerBos, Philip 
Pine and Doct'r Cooper — They informed us that our Brethren of 
Fishkill had appointed them to Settel with us Respecting the Glebe 
& That the following matters had given cause of Uneasiness to their 
Congregation, which they wished might be removed in order to rees- 
tablish mutual Confidence between us. 

First proposition of our Fishkill Bretheren sets forth that the Glebe 
purchased in Conjunction by both Churches, being covered by the 
Charter and Grant of Poughkeepsie Church, desire Justice may be 
done them by Secureing their part. 

Answer: Vestry agrees that Trinity Church of Fishkill are In titled 
to an Equal proportion of said Farm and Buildings with Christ Church 
at Pouglikeepsie, this Corporation stand ready to give any Writing 
that may be proper for their Safety herein — It being the Wish of this 
Board that the two Churches may be united in Strictest Harmony. 

Secondly, the Gentelmen of Fishkill propose leaving to ReflPerees 
whether they ought not to be intitled to an Equal part in two hundred 
acres of land. Granted to this Corporation By the late Government. 

Answer : we do not at Present conceive it in our Power to admit of 
this proposition without Betraying the trust reposed in us — The lands 
in question being a free Donation to the Congregation we Represent. 
The Glebe, having Eventually in the course of the late War become 
vacant by the Removal of Mr. Beardsley, great Care has been taken 
by us for the Preservation & Renting out said place upon best terms 
Circumstances of the times would admitt — And as a farther proof of 
our integrity we produced Regular accompts of our Conduct herein — 
With earnest Requests that the above Gentelmen would at this meeting 
join with us in Settling these accompts & Receive their Dividend of 
any moneys we have in hand Belonging to their Church. Our Breth- 
eren thought proper to Wave this matter for the present till they Should 
report the Success of their Negotiations to the Vestry of Fishkill. 

10. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 57. 

1784, Aug. 14, The Committee appointed to wait on Fishkill vestry 
Report to this Board that they enterd upon a Conference with Major 
Daniel TerBos, Mr. Jonas Halstead, Mr. John Halstead, Mr. John 
Cook, & Mr. Pine at Fishkill on 8 Aug'st 1784. 

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The Records oj Christ Church 

The Gentelmen on the part of Fishkill earnesly requested that the 
misunderstanding between us concerning the Church lands be Settled. 
Their opinion is that there must have been a fraud or Collusion in that 
Affair, nothing can make them Conceive otherwise, unless Refferees 
shall decide against them, with whose determination they will rest con- 
tent. With that spirit of Conciliation which ought ever to mark re- 
ligious Bodys, the Committee from Poughkeepsie Consented to Submit 
this supposed Greviance to men, a proceeding the more generous as no 
Law could have oblidged us to it— But merely a Desire of making 
peace; the Arbitrators jointly Consented to were Doct'r Johnson of 
Stratford and the Rev'd Mr. Leaming, these two gentelmen to Chuse 
a third if Necessary. 

11. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 61. 

1785, Feb. 24, The Vestry of Fishkill by Letter requested that the Pough- 
keepsie Vestry meet them upon Business relating to the two Congrega- 
tions. In Consequence of which a meeting was held at Mr. Cooper's, 
Inn-Holder, in Fishkill Town; Present on the part of that Congregation 
Daniel TerBoss, Doct'r Cooper & Jonas Halstead— from Poughkeepsie 
attended Richard Davis, Ebenezer Badger and William Emott— The 
refferees, appointed by the Resolve of the 14 of August last, not 
being able to Attend, Henry Schenck and Judge Isaac Smith were 
Nominated and appointed by the parties as Arbitrators to Settel the 
difference between the two Congregations, these two Gentelmen to 
Chuse a third man if it should be Necessary— the arbitration to be held 
at New Hackensack on the 8th Day of March next ensuing— This 
conference when the above agreement was Entered into was on the 
24th February, 178.5. 

1785, March 2,1 Wednesday, Mr. Pine came up to Poughkeepsie 
with a letter from the Fishkill Vestry mforming us that Henry 
Schenck refused serving on the refference, With a proposal that either 
Mr. Wilsey or Mr. MacNeal be appointed in his Stead— Whereupon 
Esq'r Wiltsey was agreed upon in the Room of Mr. Schenck. 

12. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 62. 

1785, March 8 & 9. Tuesday' the 8th of March the two Vestrys of 
Poughkeepsie and Fishkill met at New Hackensack at Mr. Annin's, 
Inn-keepers, together with Isaac Smith & Martin Wiltsey, the Arbitra- 
tors, to whom the matters in difference were Submitted, after mutual 
Instruments of writing were exchanged Between the parties in which 
they Reciprocally pledged their honor and good faith to abide by the 
Award of the Arbitrators. The refferees Proposed to Choose a third 

347 



The Records oj Christ Church 

man before they enter upon Business, which, being agreed to, the 
refferees withdrew & upon their return informed they had Elected 
Samuel Verplanck, who, being immediately Sent for, attended, when 
they proceeded to business, and after hearing the testimony of the 
Witnesses and the Allegations of the parties, this and the following 
day, — They brought in their award and determination. 

13. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 4. 
1785, March 9, original paper; award of the arbitrators. 

We, Isaac Smith, Samuel Verplanck and Martin WUtsie, the Arbi- 
trators named in the aforegoing Instruments of Submission, having 
taken on us the Burthen of the said Submission, and heard the Parties, 
their Proofs and Allegations, do award and determine that the two 
Congregations, Parties to the said Submission, are (except with respect 
to the Twenty- three acres, the original Conveyance for which from the 
Family of Ostrander was taken by the Rev. Mr. Beardsley in his own 
name) each of them entitled to a full and equal undivided moiety of 
the Parsonage and Glebe at Poughkeepsie, including both the Lands 
distinguished by the Appellation of the Old Glebe, and the Two hundred 
Acres granted as vacant Lands, and that the Corporation of The Rector 
and Inhabitants of Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County in Communion 
of the Church of England as by Law established were at time of their 
Incorporation, and still are to be, deemed Trustees for the said Congre- 
gation at Fish Kill for their said undivided moiety of the said Lands, and 
that the said Congregation at Fish Kill were originally and still are, 
unless the same hath been paid, liable to pay to the said Congregation 
at Poughkeepsie one moiety of the Expense incurred in purchasing the 
said Lands and obtaining the Charter for the said Corporation. Given 
under our hands this 9th day of March 1785. 

Isaac Smith 

Sam'l Verplanck 

Martin Wiltsie. 

14. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 6. 

Undated. Time of the arbitration; being a brief for the Corporation 
of Christ Church, in the hand- writing of John Davis. 

In the year 1767 a mission was began by the Rever'd Mr. John 
Beardsley at the four following places, viz. ; at Poughkeepsie, Fishkills, 
Poquack and the Ninepartners. The People of Poquack and Nine- 
partners finding themselves unable to perform their part gave up the 
matter. Whereupon the people of Poughkeepsie and Fishkills joined 
themselves together and determined to purchase a Glebe for the two 

348 



The Records oj Christ Church 

places, and accordingly each party was to look for proper places, and to 
meet on a certain day to determine which place to purchase; they met 
accordingly on the day appointed and the Fishkill people held up a 
place which was Scituated in Rombouts precinct, distance about seven 
miles from Fishkill Town and eight or nine from the Town of Pough- 
keepsie; the Inhabitants of Poughkeepsie held up a place about one 
mile from the Town of Poughkeepsie. Upon which, debates arose 
between the parties about which of the two was the properest place to 
purchase; the Fishkill said that a Glebe purchased for two Congrega- 
tions should be Scituated nearly in the midway between the two Chur- 
ches and urged strongly for purchasing the place they had in view; on 
the contrary the People of Poughkeepsie argued: that a Glebe pur- 
chased for two Churches, so far distant from each other as these were, 
should be near one or the other of the Churches, alledging that if ever 
the Congregations should get able so as to maintain a Minister separ- 
ately and should part, that the Glebe so purchased would suit one of the 
Churches; but, if purchased as desired by the Fishkill People, would suit 
neither; after much altercation on the matter It was agreed to by both 
parties that they should leave the aflfair to Mr. Beardsley, and the place 
he should Choose should be the Glebe, and should be purchased by 
both Congregations for that purpose, with this proviso, that, if here- 
after, it should so happen that the Congregations separated, that that 
Congregation which lay nearest the Glebe should have it. Refunding 
to the Other the first purchase money; accordingly Mr. Beardsley 
determined on the matter and Choose the place at Poughkeepsie, and 
it was accordingly purchased for a Gl^be for the two Congregations. 
Adjoining to the Glebe lay a parcel of waste uncultivated land, in 
Common, then said to belong to the Descendants of Myndert Harmanse, 
one of the original proprietors of the soil and, according to the Deed of 
the Glebe to the Society for Propagating the Gospel in foreign parts, 
the Glebe had a Right in it for pasture and wood. After some years 
the people of Poughkeepsie was Informed that the land said to be 
Commons was like to be Vacant Land, and that Mr. Leake had Pe- 
tition the Govenor and Council for a patent for it, and it was also said 
that the Title of all the Land, in the patent under which the Glebe was 
held, was not good and that the Inhabitants living thereon were uneasy 
and wanted a Confirmation for them. The members of the English 
Church in Poughkeepsie then petition the Governor and Council praying 
to have themselves Incorporated, and have a confirmation of the Glebe; 
and also put in a petition for part of the land then deemed Vacant; and, 
in Order to have the Confirmation made out, got Mr. Cockburn to 
survey and make a map of it. Mr. Beardsley, hearing that the Governor 

349 



The Records oj Christ Church 

would confirm unto the Inhabitants, holding under Saunders and Har- 
mense, all the Lands they possessed, and knowing that the deed of the 
Glebe did Intitle the Glebe to some part of the Common Land, did, 
when Mr. Cockburn surveyed the Glebe, git annexed to it a part of the 
said waste land and which was accordingly confirmed to and with the 
Glebe; and then the Governor and Council did give and grant unto 
the Corporation of Christ Church in Poughkeepsie Two Hundred 
Acres of the said Vacant Land. 

Since which time an Unhappy dispute has arisen between the Cor- 
poration of Christ Church in Pouglikeepsie and the Vestry and Con- 
gregation of Fishkills, on account of the said two Hundred Acres 
granted as aforesaid : the people of Fishkill say that the two Hundred 
acres ought of Right to be a part of the Glebe and that they should be 
equal to the Poughkeepsie people in it, and do accuse the members of 
Poughkeepsie Church of unfair dealing in Obtaining the Land to them- 
selves, and say farther that Mr. Beardsley had said it was for both Con- 
gregations. 

We, the Members of the Corporation of Christ Church as above said, 
do deny that we have used any unfair or underhanded means in giting 
the land, but that we have Obtained it Justly and uprightly; further- 
more we say that we have added land to the Glebe by which the Fish- 
kill people is benefited as well as we; for, by the purchase of the Glebe 
they were entitled to part of the Commons, but, when the said Com- 
mons was deemed by the Governor and Council unpatented, and Con- 
sequently Vacant Land, the right of the Glebe and theirs with it fell to 
nothing. Yet we did obtain a part of the said Vacant Land for the 
Glebe and which we got annexed to it, as will appear by the Map of the 
Glebe and our Charter; which is the Land Mr. Beardsley told the 
Fishkill people he had Obtained for both Congregations. 

In giting the two Hundred acres we acted for our Church Only, the 
same as we did in building of it; and we look upon it that a Claim from 
the Fishkills for the walls of our Church would be as Just as the one 
they make to the Land; for Can it be supposed that we cannot advance 
the Interest of our Church without giving theirs a part? Surely, no. 
Whatever property the Fishkill Members gets for theirs. Can in our 
Opinion, in no part whatever be Claimed for the Church of Poughkeep- 
sie. 

We never Negociated this matter Secretly, it was agitated publickly 
and openly at New York, and we believe not without your knowledge. 
If Mr. Beardsley told you it was for both Congregations we can't help 
that. He had no authority from us for saying so. We are of opinion 
that if Mr. Beardsley was present he would easily set all Right in that 

350 



The Records ojChrist C h u r c h 

affair, and we make no doubt but that his evidence would tend very 
much in our favor; but as that Cannot now be Obtained we are Con- 
strained to do without it. Mr. Beardsley always told us that what he 
meant by telling you it was for the benefit of both Congregations was 
Only the Gore annexed to the Glebe and not the two Hundred acres. 
Gentlemen Arbitrators 
This we think to be a true State of the matter in dispute between us 
and to your Determination we most willingly submit it, both for peace 
and the Churches sake, which we most ardently wish. 

15. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 62. 

1785, March 9, The Business being thus finished the landlord brought 
in his Bill, and, Judge Smith's charge being five Dollars for his services, 
it was Agreed that both these charges should be paid out of the monies 
that have or may be received for rent of Parsonage, whereupon Mr. 
Richard Davis advanced the Money and Discharged the Bills. 

[Editor's note: The original receipted bill of James Annin for the 
entertainment of the parties to the arbitration is on file in Christ 
Church Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section C, No. 5.] 

16. Vestry Minutes, Yol. 1, p. 80. 

1785, Dec. 6, [A committee, consisting of Messrs. Richard Davis, 
William Emott, Melancthon L. Woolsey, Ebenezer Badger and Henry 
Mott, was appomted to] — make a General Settlement of all accompts, 
controversys, & demands of what nature soever between this Cor- 
poration & the Incorporated Episcopal church of Fishkill. In con- 
ducting this business we recommend our Committee to pursue the 
following Instructions: 

1st, That a solemn Compact of reciprocal union be entered into 
between the two Churches, the instruments to be signed and 
sealed by those empowered to act in behalf of the respec- 
tive Corporations. 

2nd, The original Contract between the Churches to be the basis 
of this Union, viz; that neither congregation shall be at 
liberty to separate from the other without the mutual con- 
sent of Both. 

3rd, \Mienever the two Corporations shall jointly agree to a Sepa- 
ration, the old Glebe shall be sold to the best advantage, and 
the money be equally Divided. 

4th, Should the Gentelmen of Fishkill rest unsatisfied at our 
titles coveriag it, let the Farm and Improvements mentioned 

351 



The Records oj Christ Church 

in the 3d Article be put into the hands of the Rector and 
Corporation of Trinity Church in New York by deeds of 
trust, so as to put it out of the power of either Vestry to dis- 
pose of it till, by the joint application of both, it became re- 
conveyed to us again. 

5th, The twenty-three acres of land belonging to the Church of 
Poughkeepsie, lying upon the westermost boundary of the 
Old Glebe, Fishkill Church to pay us half rent for, if occupied 
by our Clergyman. 

6th, All our accompts to be submitted to Arbitrators indifferently 
chosen, — each Vestry to be at intire liberty to Chuse their 
own man, provided they belong to neither of the two Church- 
es. The two refferees to chuse a third if necessary. Refferees 
to appoint some convenient place of meeting, whenever the 
time shall be affixed. 

7th, It is the wish of this Vestry that the Churchof Fishkill consent 
to have a Reconsideration before the present Arbitrators of 
the two hundred acres of land known by the Appellation of 
New Glebe. 

17. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 85. 

1786, June 13, 14, 15, The deputies met at Poole's tavern at 
Poughkeepsie; present for Poughkeepsie, Richard Davis, William 
Emott, Melancthon L. Woolsey, Henry Mott and Ebenezer Badger; 
present for Fishkill, John Cooke, John Halstead, Dr. Jeremiah 
Cooper. The Poughkeepsie delegates laid upon the table a plan of 
Union comprehended in Eight articles, and were Urgent for Signing 
of them. The Fishkill Gentelmen waved executing them for the 
present. The unsettled accounts, subsisting between the Con- 
gregations were next investigated, but, the parties not agreeing in 
opinion, Myndert Van Kleeck, Edmund Ferris, & Robert Hoofman 
were Chosen Arbitrators, who decided by their award the Con- 
troversy; which submission and award is lodged with the church 
papers. The account being Ballanced in Church Ledger A. 

18. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section C, No. 7. 

1786, June 14. Original paper. On one side, the appointment of the 
arbitrators, named above; on the other side, the award of the said 
arbitrators. Original signatures. Christ Church, Poughkeepsie, 
awarded one-quarter part of the whole rents of the glebe, in considera- 
tion of their separate title to the twenty-three acres, the said twenty- 
three acres not subject to any expense for repairs. 

352 



The Records oj Christ Church 

19. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 8. 

1787, Oct. 17. Original paper. By William B. Alger, secretary pro 
tern of the vestry of Trinity Church, Fishkill; copy of a resolution of 
that body in favor of selling their share of the new glebe. 

20. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 93. 

1787, Nov. 28, Richard Davis, William Emott, Ebenezer Badger and 
Henry Mott, representing Christ Church, met at Poole's tavern, 
Poughkeepsie, John Cooke, Jeremiah Cooper & Elbert Willett, repre- 
senting Trinity Church. It was unanimously agreed to that the 
respective committees will use their influence to get the Articles of 
Union executed which have been under consideration since the 13th 
June 1786, as the only probable means of restoring perpetual harmony 
between the Churches we Represent. For which purpose a General 
Meeting of both Vestrys was ordered to be held at Myer's earn 
Hackensack on Saturday after New Years day. 

21. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 94. 

Assembled Jan. 5th, 1'?'88 at Myers tavern near New Hackensack a 
General meeting of the Episcopal churches of Poughkeepsie and Fish- 
kill to establish a Union between them. 

Present on the part of Poughkeepsie, William Emott, church warden, 
Robert Noxon, Daniel Smith, James Pritchard, Daniel Lefferts, Isaac 
Balding Jr., Charles Crooke, Henry Mott, Ebenezer Badger, Vestry- 
men; Present on the part of Fishkill, Jeremiah Cooper, Wm. B. Alger, 
Egbert Willett, Peter Mesier, James Cooper, Trustees. 
Nine articles of Union and agreement was read by Mr. Emott. 

[Editor's note: A copy of these articles of union proposed by 
Poughkeepsie is filed with Christ Church Parish Mss., Glebe 
papers. Section C, No. 9. 

Abstract of above paper: 

Preamble, 

Whereas the Protestant Episcopal Congregations of Pough- 
keepsie and Fishkill were erected into a mission by the Society 
for Propogating the Gospel in foreign parts in the year of our 
Lord 1767 the infancy of these Churches at that period and 
the demands of the Society made it necessary for them to en- 
ter into a union and to purchase a Glebe at Poughkeepsie for 
the mutual benefit of the two Congregations, which union and 
purchase were compleated; And Whereas, at the late Revo- 
lution the said Society, from national motives, have with- 
drawn their countenance and support from the united con- 
gregations of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, and they, being 

353 



The Record s' of Christ Church 

desirous to retrieve the deranged State of their respective 
Churches, do by these presents respectively covenant and 
ratify in their legal corporate capacity for themselves and 
successors for ever the underwritten Articles of Compact 
and agreement. 

Article 1 

The Protestant Episcopal Churches of Poughkeepsie and 
Fishkill do by these presents confirm the antient union sub- 
sisting between them as sister Churches, and agree not to 
sell or divide the old glebe without the consent of both. 

Article 2 

When a clergyman is settled, he to have use of parsonage 
house and part of glebe-land; remainder of land to be let. 

Article 3 

During a vacancy in the Rectorship a committee from Pough- 
keepsie vestry to rent glebe-house and lands; Fishkill to be 
represented on said committee if they desire. 

Article 4 

In case of a separation of the congregations, glebe to be ap- 
praised by outsiders for benefit of the two Churches; or to 
be sold at auction and proceeds divided equally. 

Article 5 

A clergyman cannot be settled by one congregation without 
the consent of the other. 

Article 6 

If one congregation refuse for two years to settle a clergy- 
man, the other is free to unite with some parish elsewhere to 
procure a minister. 

Article 7 

Disagreements over unsettled accounts to be decided by refer- 
ees. 

Article 8 

The award of March 9, 1785, concerning glebe-lands hereby 
ratified. 

Article 9 

Fishkill may at any time ask a deed of conveyance for one half 
the new glebe, they giving Poughkeepsie security for half of 
expense of the law suits relative to said land prior to said 
deed. Fishkill to compensate Richard Davis for half his 
loss in taking Jack the Negro from Andrew Bostwick.] 

It was proposed by Mr. Willett to take up these Articles by para- 
graphs. Doct'r Cooper objected to them generally, observing that 
nothing of the kind would be acceeded to on their part previous to their 

354 



The Records oj Christ Church 

recehong Conveyances for the Old and New Glebe lands at Poughkeep- 
sie. The other Fishkill gentelmen came into his opinion. Mr. Lefferts 
and Dr. Noxon asserted that it was not in the power of the Poughkeepsie 
Vestry to Convey the lands in Question, from the tenor of the Charter. 
They were, however, willing to secure to the Fishkill Vestry one moiety 
of the avails of the Old Glebe whilst in its present scituation, and one 
half the monies arising from the sale whenever it shall be sold. All 
which they conceived would be secured to them by executing the pro- 
posed articles. The Poughkeepsie gentelmen unanimously agreed with 
them in Sentiment, and offered to join Fishkill in a petition to the 
Legislature for a law to enable us to dispose of the New Glebe, provided 
they will proceed to examine and acceed to these articles of union now 
before us, during the meeting of the present Vestry. Fishkill Vestry 
refused these offers and the meeting broke up at five o'clock. 

22. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 10. 

Undated. Articles of union proposed by Trinity Church, Fishkill. 

Abstract of said paper: 

Gentlemen 

We received your Letter enclosing certain Articles as the 
Basis of a Union between your Church and ours. We confess 
we know of no impediment to our Union as sister Churches, 
nor have we the least desire or wish of breaking off from you so 
long as it shall be for the mutual benefit of both our Churches 
to continue in our present state. But, as many reasons may, 
possibly, arise that may make a separation advantageous and 
convenient to both we are unwilling to enter into any solemn 
covenants or Obligations binding upon our successors, who 
may perhaps think differently from us, by which we may be 
charged with an abuse of the Trust reposed in us by our Con- 
stituents, to the prejudice of the Church in this town. We 
therefore, so far as we are authorized, to avoid all future alter- 
cations, in our turn have agreed to make the following propos- 
als to your Church, as the only ones we conceive that wiU be 
agreeable to our Constituents, or that can possibly tend to the 
present and future Interest of our Churches. 

Propo: 1st. 
The Protestant Episcopal Churches of Fishkill and Pough- 
keepsie, having always been inclined as one, do hereby agree 
to unite as Sister Churches, upon one equal Footing in all 
joint interests, for as long as is to mutual advantage. 

355 



The Records ojChrist Church 
2d. 

The basis of union to be a conveyance by Poughkeepsie to 
Fishkill of one moiety of both old and new glebe. 

3rd. 
In case of a separation of the congregations, glebe to be ap- 
praised by outsiders for benefit of the two Churches; or to be 
sold at auction and proceeds divided equally. 

4th. 
If either congregation refuse to settle a clergyman in con- 
junction with the other, then, after three months, the other 
may join with a congregation elsewhere to procure a minister. 
In which event Propo. 3rd has full effect. 

5th. 
Any unsettled accounts to be settled, if necessary, by referees. 

23. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 97. 

1788, March 25, Resolved, that in our opinion the Fishkill proposals 
are Improper. 

24. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 101. 

1789, Jan'y 14, Voted that the Secretary write the Fishkill Vestry 
to meet us on the 22d Instant at 1 o'clock at Van Kleeck's Tavern in 
Poughkeepsie, requesting the Gentlemen who attend to bring with them 
Written Credentials. 

25. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 102. 

1789, Jan'y 22, At a Conference held at the House of Baltus Van 
Kleeck, between the Standing Committee of Christ Church and a 
Committee from Trinity Church; 

Present, on the part of Poughkeepsie, William Emott, John Davis, 
Henry Mott, James Pritchard, Ebenezer Badger; 
Present, on the part of Fishkill, Daniel TerBush, Peter Mesier; 
Resolved, that a joint Conference take place between the respective 
Vestrys, or Committees from the Bodys vested with full Powers, to adopt 
some Plan respecting the sale of the Glebe Lands, or some other mode 
which may then be agreed on respecting said lands. The meeting to be 
held at the House of Mr. Myers near New Hackensack, on the first 
Tuesday of February next at 12 o'clock. 

26. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 103. 

1789, Feb'y 3, At a Conference between the two Vestrys of Christ 
and Trmity Church, held at Mr. Myers in New Hackensack; 

356 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Present, Rev'd Henry Van Dyck, Rector; 

on the part of Poughkeepsie, Richard Davis & Wilb'am Emott, Church 
Wardens, Isaac Balding, Jno. Davis, Daniel Smith, Daniel LefiFerts, 
Ebenezer Badger, Vestrymen; 

on the part of Fishkill, Mess. Jno. Cook, Peter Mesier, Will'm Alger, 
Doct'r Cooper, Jacobus Cooper, Jno. Halstead; 

Resolved that two Gentlemen be Appointed, one from each Vestry, 
who shall be Authorized to make and receive proposals from any Person 
or Persons for the Sale of the Old and New Glebe, or any part thereof, 
belonging to and in the Possession of boath the Episcopal Congrega- 
tions of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill; To advertise the same in the 
Publick papers, and whenever any Person or Persons apply to them 
respecting the same, to make report thereof to the Church Wardens 
and Vestrymen or Trustees of boath Congregations as soon as possible, 
in order to receive their joint approbation and further direction in the 
Premises, before any Act of theirs shall be Valid or binding. 
Resolved that William Emott, on the part of Poughkeepsie, and John 
Cooke on the part of Fishkill, be a Committee for the above purpose. 

27. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 107. 

1789, Sept'r 1, [meeting of Vestry held at the Church] the following 
Gentlemen from the Vestry of Trinity Church at Fishkill also attended, 
viz; John Cooke, Peter Mesier, Elbert Willett & Jacob Van Voorhis; 
in order to determine upon Myndert Van Kleeck's oflFer respecting the 
purchase of the Glebe. 

Mr. Van Kleeck proposed taking the Glebe at Twelve Hundred Pounds, 
provided the Churches would take oflF that part of the New Glebe laying 
on the East of the road, occupied principally by Leonard Lewis, and 
one other piece improved by Francis Kip, supposed to contain about 
Sixty Acres at three Pounds the Acre; which sums, when the number of 
Acres should be ascertained, to be deducted from the Twelve Hundred 
Pounds. 

He then proposed, in payment for the net sum remaining, one House and 
Lot now in possession of Theodorus Bailey, at four Hundred Pounds; 
Four Himdred Pounds in Bonds, upon Literest, from Robert Hoffman, 
and the residue in Cash immediately. 

The Fishkill Vestry then withdrew to Mr. Poole's, and after about an 
hour's absence, returned again to the Church, Mr. Van Kleeck and the 
Poughkeepsie Vestry being present. 

Mr. Cooke declared, in behalf of the Fishkill Vestry, that it was their 
unanimous Voice not to accept Mr. Van Kleeck's offer. He then in- 
formed Mr. Van Kleeck that they had no objection to his taking the 

357 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Place for Nine Hundred Pounds and Mr. Bailey's house. Mr. Van 
Kleeck replied he would reflect upon it. 

28. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 137. 

1790, April 12, At a meeting of the Churchwardens and Vestrymen 
of Christ Church in Poughkeepsie, and Trustees of Trinity Church of 
Fishkill, held at Poughkeepsie, — Resolved that Peter Mesier is hereby 
empowered by the respective corporations to Negotiate a Loan for 
them of Two Hundred poimds for which they will give good landed 
Security, namely the parsonage house and old glebe lands. 

29. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 166. 

1792, Oct. 12, Mr. Dxmn attended the meeting to know upon what 
Terms we would sell the Glebe; after being informed, he said he would 
write us his determination from New York in a few days. Resolved, 
that Richard Davis and William Emott is hereby fully Authorized by 
this Corporation to dispose of and Sell unto the Said John and Andrew 
Dunn, or any other person, all the Glebe Lands belonging to this Cor- 
poration, excepting the twenty-three-acre lot, for the sum of One 
Thousand pounds, current money of the State of New York, in such 
payments as to them shall appear reasonable. 

30. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 172. 

1792, Nov. 13, Messrs. Davis and Emott reported that, according to 
the agency Intrusted to them, they had bargained with Messrs. John 
and Andrew Dunn for the Glebe Farm for One Thousand pounds; the 
one half of which to be paid first July next, the other moiety first July 
ensuing; Literest to be allowed on the last payment only. Ordered 
that the Secretary write a Letter to the Fish Kill Trustees, Informing 
them of the Sale of the Glebe Farm, & desireing they will appoint a 
Committee from their Body to meet us at this House on the first Tues- 
day in December next at Two o'clock in the afternoon. 

31. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 177. 

1793, Sep. 3, Mr. Davis has Informed Vestry that in Consequence of 
John and Andrew Dunn Absenting themselves from the Glebe Farm, 
That he has taken an Inventory of what Effects they Left behind them, 
and has put John Dusenburry in Possession of the House in the Name 
of Vestry, to take care of the Same. 

32. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 182. 

1794, June 3, Voted that Anthony Hoffman and Cadw'r D. Colden be 
a Committee to pursue the Legal Measures for Foreclosing the Mort- 
gage given this Corporation by John and Andrew Dimn. 

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The Records ojChrist Church 

33. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section C, No. 12. 
Original paper; in hand-writing of William Emott. 
Poughkeepsie, 17th July, 1795. 

For the information of the present Vestry and their Counsel it is pre- 
sumed that the following statement may be of use in the intended sale 
of Certain of the Church lands, and the security and payments re- 
specting the Church at Fishkill, should any farther suits be commenced 
by the persons pretending a title under Harmense and Sanders. 

The episcopal church dates its existence in Poughkeepsie in the year 

1767, at which time the Rev'd John Beardsely was settled as a Mission- 
ary. The Society in England previously stipulated that a Glebe should 
be purchased; wliich was accordingly done from Ostrander, by the 
Congregations of Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Nine Partners, and Beekman 
town. The convej^ance was executed in trust to Certain gentelmen for 
the Society. The two last mentioned congregations, being few in 
number, shortly after Relinquished their claim to the lands and ser- 
vices of Mr. Beardsley, and, ever after during his continuance here 
he resided on the place and divided his time equally between the two 
Churches of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill. 

On the apphcation of Robert Lake and others, Gov'r Moore, in March 

1768, determined Hermanses and Saunders patent was intended to 
grant only 1200 acres instead of 12,000 acres. The Church, justly 
alarmed at the insufficiency of the title they had purchased under, 
applied, by their agent, Mr. Beardsley, for a Confirmation, which they 
obtained together with a Grant of 200 acres adjoining, and Charter 
of incorporation. 

The Fishkill church were dissatisfied that two Charters were not ob- 
tained and two Grants; whereas it seems to have been the intention of 
Government that the Church of Fishkill, or any other adjacent of like 
Communion, might be considered as Chapels of Christ Church at 
Poughkeepsie; which they thought proper to refuse. Thus the title 
became vested in us solely. The revolution interfereing, the churches 
were destitute of a pastor. Conferences took place, as may be seen in 
our Book of Minutes, in which it was admitted that Fishkill Church 
is entitled to one moiety of the money which may arise from the Sale 
of the old lands, whenever sold, except a Certain lot said to Contain 23 
acres. 

Thus circumstanced, about the year 1784 the Rev'd Mr. Henry Van" 
dyck paid us repeated Visits; overtures were made unto the Fishkill 
Vestry to settel him; they declared their readiness, provided we would 
submitt their pretentions to the old and New Glebe to three men 

359 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

(which had been formerly rejected), which was finally agreed to in 
Confidence that they had no kind of Right to the 200 acres. When the 
parties mett at New Hackensack it was discovered we did not stand on 
equal ground, they not being incorporated. 

The Articles of Submission were therefore executed by individuals, 
in which they pledged themselves to each other on their honour and 
good faith. 

In the award, which was drawn by Judge Benson^, the lands were to 
be holden m trust by the Poughkeepsie Vestry for the benefit of the two 
churches &c, except the 23 acres which was determined to be the sole 
property of the Poughkeepsie Church. Rev'd Vandyck occupied the 
parsonage untill his removal to Jersey. 

Fishkill were now urgent for a partition of the lands and a title, which 
was not compUed with. Finally it was judged expedient to advertise 
and sell. Some time after, Myndert Van Kleeck was anxious to pur- 
chase it; terms were agreed to; the Fishkill Gentelmen were wrote to, 
and attended, when they disapproved of our Bargain with Mr. Van 
Kleeck, to our great mortifycation, which prevented the sale at that 
time. 

Next, John and Andrew Duim applied, and became purchasers, and 
executed a mortgage and Bonds to the amount of £1000; they were 
unable to make the payments stipulated; left the County. In this 
last Sale the Fishkill Gentelmen Were not consulted. 

Next, Nathaniel Bosworth came forward as a pin-chaser. Richard 
Davis and William Emott, the Committee authorized by Vestry, 
treated with him, the result of which was reduced to two written 
memorandums, which were given 30 Sept'r 1794. Mr. Bosworth came 
on the place in the sprmg of 1795, and the Vendue, which was to have 
been in Feb'r last, takes place 22 July 1795, at 10 o'clock in the fore- 



34. Vestry Minutes^ Vdl. 1» p. 191. 

1795, Aug. 11, Mr. Davis and Mr. Emott, who were a Committee to 
Sell the Glebe under the Mortgage from John & Andrew Dunn, having 
report — that the same has been sold at auction agreeable to law, to 
Nathaniel Bosworth, who hath bad therefore £1000, — on motion of Mr. 
Emott Resolved that the Secretary be, and he hereby is. Authorized 
to execute to the said Nath'l Bosworth such Instruments as may be 
requisite for Conveying the Estate to him; the Treasurer is to receive 
from the said Nath'l Bosworth Three Hundred pounds with Interest 
therefore from the first of April last, and the Secretary will receive in 

( 1 Judge Smith ? ) 
360 



The Records ofChrist Church 

behalf of this Corporation, on Executing the Conveyance above men- 
tioned, a Mortgage from the said Nath'l Bosworth, on the premises 
aforesaid, for securing to this Corporation the sum of Seven Hundred 
pounds with Interest from the first of April last, — To be paid as follows, 
viz; £350 to be paid 1st x\pril 1796, and the other £350 on the first day 
of April, 1797. 

35. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 204. 

1797, Jan'y 2, a meeting of Vestry held at House of Stephen Hendrick- 
son. 

Present, William Emott, Warden, Robert Noxon, Ebenezer Badger, 
Thomas Mitchell, Archibald Stewart, James Bramble. 
Present, the following Committee from Trinity Church, Fishkill, — 
Daniel C. Verplanck, James Cooper, Peter Mesier. 
On Investigation of the sale of the Glebe, of the Rents, profits and 
expenditures relating to this, and all other accounts remaining at this 
Date unsettled; which being Audited and Settled, there appeared a 
Ballance due the Church at Fishkill of Four Hundred and Sixteen 
Pounds. 

Which sum the Vestry ordered William Emott, their Treasurer, to pay 
to Peter Mesier on Demand, agreeable to the Order Drawn this Day, — 
The Fishkill Committee being present. 

The Gentlemen of the Committee from Fishkill unanimously agreed 
that they will cause to be Executed a General Release and an Indem- 
nification bond, which is to be drawn by Jacob Radclift Esqr. without 
delay, who personally attended the Vestry. 

The whole of the foregoing business was conducted with the most per- 
fect unanimity, not a dissenting vote appeared on any question agitated 
by the representatives of either of the Churches in the above settle- 
ment. 

36. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section C, No. 14. 

1797, Jan'y 2, Original release from Trinity Church, Fishkill, to Christ 
Church, Poughkeepsie, of all of Trinity's rights, title, etc., in the two 
hundred and fifty acres at Poughkeepsie conveyed to Nathaniel 
Bosworth; in consideration of £416. • Signed by James Cooper, 
secretary. 

37. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section C, No. 15. 

1797, Jan'y 2, Bond for £1000 from Trinity Church, Fishkill, to Christ 
Church, Poughkeepsie, signed by James Cooper, secretary. Condition: 
— In case of future difficulty over the title to the land conveyed to 

361 



The Records of Christ Church 

Na'haniel Bosworth, Fishkill to pay one half of all charges and ex- 
penses in the same. 

38. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 205. 

1797, Jan. 3, William Emott Paid Peter Mesier four Hundred Sixteen 
pounds, Pursuant to Order, for the Use of Trinity Church in Fishkill, 
in full of all Demands. 

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC., OF CHRIST 

CHURCH, POUGHKEEPSIE, AND THE REV. JOHN 

BEARDSLEY, REGARDING 

THE TWENTY-THREE ACRE LOT 

1. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section F, No. 1. 

1769, July 3, original bond for £300, given by John Beardsley and Peter 
Harris of Poughkeepsie, to Maritie Ostrom of Poughkeepsie; interest 
£8 per annum, payable May 13 th. 

On the second page of this paper, Jacobus Ostrom signed his mark in 
receipt for interest payments made by Peter Harris from May, 1770, 
to May, 1774, and by John Beardsley from May, 1770, to May, 1783. 
On the third page is the record of the sale of this bond, on April 19, 
1797, by Jacobus Ostrom of Poughkeepsie, administrator of the estate 
of Maride Ostrom, deceased, to the Corporation of Christ Church, 
Poughkeepsie. 

2. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 26. 

1773, Dec. 18, Ordered that Samuel Smith, Richard Davis and John 
Child be a Committee to view the lands of Mr. Beardsley Contained 
within the grant for the Glebe, that they take the Courses and dis- 
tances of the lands which Mr. Beardsley desires to have included in 
his grant, and report to this board at their next siting how and in what 
Manner they shall think it most advisable to run the said lines. 

3. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 50. 

1783, Nov. 5, Jacobus Ostrom produced to the Vestry a Bond given 
by Rev'd John Beardsley and Peter Harris in favour of his mother, each 
to pay her four pounds yearly during her life, he acknowledged Mr. 
Beardsley's part had Constantly been paid by him while residing here, 
and, Since his removal, agreeable to his request, by Vestry here. 
Which payments, at our desire, was indorsed on Said Bond by Richard 
Snedeker, Who was present. Ostrom alledged that there was Due from 
Harris £32, and was urgent that Vestry take upon them to account for 
Harris's part in this Obligation. 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

Mr. Richard Davis then made a Motion that a letter from Rev'd John 
Beardsley be read to the Board which may throw light upon this 
Matter. Which was read and is as Follows: 

[Here is entered a copy of Mr. Beardsley 's letter among the vestry 
minutes; see No. 4.] 

4. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 4. 

Original letter from the Rev'd John Beardsley. 

Addressed on the outside to "Mr. Will'm Emott at Poughkeepsie, per 

Mr. Ostrum." Reads as follows: 

New York 2d June 1783 
Dear Sir 

Jacobus Ostrum calls on me in your name to request in writing 
what I know of his mother's claim on Capt. Harris of four pound per 
annum. You doubtless recolect that She of her own accord gave up 
her claim to that part of her husband's Estate secured to her by his 
will, in consideration of her children severally or some one in their 
steads paying her four pounds per annum each during her life, for the 
sake of removing the incumbrance which on her account lay on the 
Parsonage. I became bound to pay the four pounds that fell to her 
daughters part, Capt Harris for her son John, and Andrew, Henry & 
Jacobus Stood ingaged. Each one for himself; this Settlement she chose 
and accepted of in preferrence to that made in her husband's will. 

How far, those bound in her favour have fulfilled their obligations is a 
matter I have no right to enquire after, and with respect to the part I 
have ingaged for, I took care of that when I left Poughkeepsie, by a 
promise from Capt John Davis who succeeded me in the possession of 
the parsonage, that he would pay or cause to be paid to Mrs. Ostrum 
on my account foure pounds currency per annum, which Jacobus 
Ostrum acknowledges to have been done by the said Capt Davis, and 
others of the Vestry or Corporation. If Mrs. Ostrum hath trusted her 
Support in the Hands of those who are unable to pay her, it might 
surely be very unhappy in its consequences to her, Especially as she is 
far advanced in age, and her son with whom she lives in low circum- 
stances. 

Was I in possession of the parsonage I should then, perhaps, be able 
to relieve her as a deed of Charity, as I would another person in want. 
But under my present circumstances, I must consider myself (in point 
of Equity) free in the Sight of heaven and earth from all claims made 
by her, unless for the single four pounds per annum, and even of that, 
but as it is paid through the same Chanell that it hath hitherto been 

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The Records oj Christ Church 

paid since my Banishment on account of my Loyalty. I wish with 
all my heart that the Vestry, if able, would, as an act of Charity, 
assist the Old Lady. 

I have taken the Liberty of directing this to you as Ostrum makes use 
of no other name but yours in his appUcation; which I beg you would 
be so good as to present to the Gentlemen, Church Wardens, and 
Vestry, with my best Respects to them and their Families; and permit 
me by your advocation to remain with great esteem, their most 
affectionate Friend and Humble Servant, 

John Beardsley. 

To The Gentlemen Church Wardens & Vestry of Christs Church at 
Poughkeepsie. 

5. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 52. 

1783, Nov. 5, [Mmutes continued]. Vestry after hearing the foregoing 
letter read Resolved to postpone this matter no Evidence appearing 
that they are liable to pay the Bond in question — The presumption 
therefore is that it is merely a private Contract, till Ostrom shall bring 
proof of its being Otherwise. 

6. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 83. 

1786, March 16, Ordered that Richard Davis and Robert Noxon be a 
Committee to enquire into the affair of Ostrom's bond and Report. 

7. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 84. 

1786, April 18, Ordered that Richard Davis and Robert Noxon be 
contiaued a committee to enquire into the affair of Ostrom and report 
next quarterly meeting of vestry. 

8. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section F, No. 5. 

Original letter from the Rev. John Beardsley, addressed to Mr. John 
Davis. 

Maugerviile, New Brunswick, 9th September 1788 
Dear Sir 

Your favour of ye 16th ult. I have now before me, & wish it 
was in my power to answer it to your satisfaction. 

But having no written memorandums to direct me am much 
at a loss how to state what I always supposed ye Church Book 
of records would fully enable ye Vestry to do. 

It must be known to many of you, that two thirds of ye 
Ostrum farm was purchased for ye use and benefit of ye parson 

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who should serve at ye Churches of Poughkeepsie and Fishkill, 
and that ye other third was purchased by me. 

And that ye two hundred acres of new land was designed for 
ye use and Benefit of Christs Church at Poughkeepsie, ye 
Charter & Grant will fully Evince. 

That Mr. Crannell advanced a principal part of Poughkeep- 
sie's share, as well in payment for ye old Glebe as for finishing 
ye house, must be known by all ye leading Characters, mem- 
bers of ye Church, who were there at ye time these tran- 
sactions happened. 

With respect to my part of ye Ostrum farm, my Deed that I 
have in possession shows my title. 

And I cannot doubt you and others will remember that ye 
reason of procuring a grant of ye old farm with the new, and 
including my part of it in ye grant, was to prevent ye cost of 
taking out two grants; and yt ye Wardens & Vestry did en- 
gage on their part to reconvey to me in a legal manner my 
share of ye old farm; which not being yet done exposes me 
to ye loss of it, unless the Vestry now being are pleased to do 
it. 

The justice of my claim on this head, you, your Brother, 
Doctor Noxon, Mr. Emott, Mr. Isaac Balding, I am well as- 
sured can testify. 

You also know that I built a Barn on ye glebe near ye house, 
and that in case I should be removed, ye Vestry were to allow 
me ye value of it. That Barn cost me not less than £60 York 
currency. 

You may recolect yt I procured a grant of the Lands above 
mentioned; and in doing yt, I hereby declare it cost me not 
less than £60 currency of New York, £14 of which is all yt I 
ever had reimbursed me; so yt there remains— £46 in my 
favour on yt score; which I think is more than falls to my 
share, as in justice I had only to pay what cost might arise in 
procuring a grant for one third of ye old farm. 

Things thus circumstanced when I came to this Country, 
relying on ye good faith & honour of my Brethren at Pough- 
keepsie to do me justice in yt part, I thought it not right to 
send my claims upon Government for yt which, I had every 
reason to believe, would be made good to me by yt Congrega- 
tion who had it in possession & received a rent for it. 

And I appeal to heaven & to every good Being if I have not 
a right to expect it from them. 

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The Records oj Christ Church 

I have further to inform you, yt ye Bond which Capt Harris 
and I gave for ye payment of £8 to Mrs. Ostrum per year is 
deficient on his part, but yt my part to it, one half, is paid by 
me & my order to ye time of her death. 

If therefore you will be pleased to shew this Letter to the 
Vestry, & State what you know (which I should think might be 
more than any other, having long acted as Secretary to ye 
Corporation), it may be a means of puting it in my power to 
Satisfy Mrs. Ostrum's heirs, as well as help me to what you 
can declare to be my just right. 

For the Sums due to me for past services, I must refer to 
your records, as I cannot exactly recolect, but I am sensable 
it is upwards of one year. Allowing it one year it is £30. As 
to the use of my thirds of ye old farm, I cannot consider £4 
per year by any means a sufficient rent. 

I know these things must be submitted to my friends. But 
when I consider them as Christian Brethren, who cannot, as 
such, wish to support ye Church of God by undue means, I 
will not doubt but yt they intend to do me justice. 

Which I wish may be done in a way yt may best suit ye con- 
gregation. 

My third of ye old farm must be much more valuable than 
when I purchased, on sundry accounts. 

The manuring & fencing, the Lands rising in value for more 
than 20 years, so near ye heart of ye capital of ye county, & ye 
Barn I built on it, will support this remark. 

Whenever anything can be done to Effect in my favour, I 
wish to have Ostrum's heirs paid; for which purpose Mr. Gil- 
bert Livingston is applied to by Jacobus Ostrum. 

Please to let me hear from j^ou on this or any other Subject 
yt may be of advantage for me to know. 

As we have no Great Bible in our Church, & the people un- 
able to buy, I must request you to send me the one I left in ye 
Church — you know it was given to me by ye free masons — and 
not to ye Church. 

Mr. Gilbert Livingston will be impowered to act for me in 
yt part of ye world. 

As my children are desirous to have my old picture I must 
request you to Send it, with ye maps, if they can be con- 
veniently put up in a Box together. The maps are at Mr. 
Livingston's who wiU take charge of anything yt is to be Sent 
tome. 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

With my best Respects to your Lady & to all my friends I 
am Dear Sir your most affectionate Friend & most 
humble 
Servant 
John Beardsley. 

9. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 105. 

1789, June first Tuesday, Resolved that the Vestry cannot/ at 
present undertake the payment of Jacobus Ostrom's Acc't in behalf of 
Mr. Beardsley. 

10. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 113. 

1790, Feb. 19, Mr. Emott, from the Committee appointed to answer 
the Letter received from Mr. Beardsley, dated 9th Sept'r 1788, reported 
an Answer as follows : 

Sh- 

Mr. John Davis by order of the Vestry Wrote for your Acc't 
Current & a Statement of all other demands from you against 
this Corporation. 

Your answer of 9th Sept'r 1788 Contains not the regular 
Statement of an Acc't. 

The Land you claim as your Property was Located by Doctr 
Cook as such, and nothing short of Expensive exertions & 
producing a clear Title of the Land being Vested in the Church 
prevented their falling a Sacrifice with the rest of your Proper- 
ty. 

If Vestry were mistaken, and the Land were in fact yours 
at that period, we see no reason why the State will not hold 
it as Confiscated property. 

It really places the Church in a delicate Situation, after hav- 
ing Solemnly declared to the Governor and Commissioners 
that the Property was in the Corporation, now to Confess it 
was a piece of deceit. We are assured that is not the case. 

Our religious character demands that we give Equity to 
you. Sir, in this & every other transaction. 

We beg leave to suggest whither the better way of Compro- 
mise will not be to draw out your Acc't of the payments made 
by you towards ye Purchase of the Glebe, together with all 
other your Acc'ts, and have them transmitted to your Attor- 
ney, with full powers for a final Settlement, — which, when ad- 
justed, the poverty of the Church may probably induce them 
to make payment in those or the New Lands as may be 

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The Records oj Christ Church 

agreed to. We do assure you that Lands are now as low as 
when the Glebe was purchased. You can have no conception 
in what a reduced State the late war has left our Church. 
Taking that into Consideration, you, no doubt, as one of 
Our Founders, will be moderate in your demands and expec- 
tations. 

With the utmost tenderness we shall remark that some of 
of them, in the Letter now before us, require a reconsideration. 

1st. The barn, near the house, you charge at £60; it ap- 
pears from the Minutes of Vestrj- that you procured a Vote 
enabling you to build it on the Glebe, with liberty to remove 
it at your discression, unless Vestry chose to purchase it.^ 

2d. The charge, in your agency respecting the Grant, of a 
ballance of £46, appears rather extraordinary & new. 

Sdly. Your demand of £30 Sallary from the Church of 
Poughkeepsie is founded on a Simple Contract between indi- 
viduals & your self, many of whom are on your side the water; 
the Corporation are not holden, your Attorney may have 
their Names to Collect. 

4th. The Church Bible we believe was not the intention 
of the Donors should be sent out of the Country. You will 
wave that request we presume. 

We can undertake no payments to Mr. Ostrom's heirs on 
your Acc't subsequent to a General Settlement had with you. 

Your detaining the Surpluss & the Missions Library is, in 
our Opinion, withholding so much of our Property which we 
expect will be returned. 

One hundred acres of the New Land will probably be given 
up to Fishkill; we can make peace upon no other terms; they 
Istand ready with a number of witnesses to make appear your 
positive engagements to them in this affair. 

It is related by some of the old Vestry that, after the surren- 
dery of the lands you mention as having a deed for, the 
Charter, Grant, & Confirmation being obtained, you at 
that time made a similar Claim for a Conveyance from the 
Church. 

Mr. Crannell made a spirited opposition, &, to the best of 
their remembrance, some of his objections were that you in- 
cluded more than a due proportion both as to Quantity and 
Quality, which extended so far in front as Greatly to unjure 

1 See Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 32, Jan. 17th, 1776. 

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The Records oj Christ Church 

the remainder, it being a narrow strip of near one half mile 
in length. 

How these matters were concluded in the first instance, you 
and Mr. Crannell can best explain. 

But certain it is that the Old Glebe, if separated from the 
piece of Land on the west, would be highly unfavorable to the 
former. 

The place occupied by Seabury we have no thoughts at 
present of obtaining. 

The plain but friendly manner in which we have expressed 
our Sentiments on this Occasion, we hope will be accepted as a 
fresh proof of our sincerity. 

We are Rev'd Sir 

Affectionately yours 
by Order of Vestry 

Eben'r Badger Secret'v. 
N.B. 

Gideon Ostrander calls on us for the Bonds he gave Ostrom, 
amounting to five hundred Pounds; please to send them, if 
they are lodged with Mr. Crannell or yourself, and explain 
the purchase of the Glebe, and the repairs, minutely. 
Nov'r 1789— 

To Rev'd John Beardsley 

Maugerville New Brunswick. 
Which, being approved of by Vestry, Ordered that the Secretary 
transmit a Copy thereof by the first Conveyance. 

11. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 165. 

1792, Oct. 12, A Letter was laid before Vestry from the Rev'd John 
Beardsley. 

[Here is entered a copy of Mr. Beardsley's letter among the vestry 
minutes.] 

12. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section F, No. 6. 
Original letter from the Rev. John Beardsley. 

Addressed on the outside to "The Church Wardens and Vestry of the 
Episcopal Church at Poughkeepsie, New York State. Honoured by 
Mr. Hake." Reads as follows: 

Maugerville m New Brunswick 20 August 1792. 
Gentlemen 

I beg leave to inform you, that Mr. Hayke who honours 
this, has lately called on me with an unsettled affair between 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

me, the late Capt Peter Harris and the old Ostrum Estate, on 
account of the property which you, as a corporation, at present 
cover by possession. 

You will therefore permit me on that ground to request that 
you would be pleased to Settle with Mr. J. Ostrum, and place 
the Same to your credit, against your most humble 
Servant 

John Beardsley. 
To the Gentlemen 
Church Wardens and Vestry 
of the Episcopal Church 
at Poughkeepsie. 

13. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 166. 

1792, Oct. 12, [minutes continued], Resolved that we Cannot at 
Present Consent to assume any payment on account of Mr. Beardsley 
unto Jacobus Ostrom. 

14. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 194. 

1796. July 20, Copy of a Letter To the Rev'd John Beardsley 
Maugerville, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia. 

Rev'd Sir 

It has been proposed by the Members of Christ Church in 
Poughkeepsie — That I should without delay write to you ex- 
pressing their earnest desire of a speedy and final Settebnent — 

For which purpose they wish you to appoint an agent (who 
shall not be inimical to the Episcopal chiu-ch) with ample 
powers under your hand and Seal to treat with — The Rector 
and inhabitants of Poughkeepsie in Communion with the 
Protestant Episcopal church in the state of New York — Which 
is the Legal name or Stile of our Corporation. 

As you no doubt feel an interest for that Church, of which 
you would still have been Rector, had it not been for the 
removal of the Mission, — A detail of what has taken place 
since that event may not be unpleasing. 

During the war a Violent attack was made to wrest the New 
Glebe from us by Myndert Van Kleeck and others, which 
terminated in favour of the Church after a tedious and ex- 
pensive Law suit in 1784. 

About that period the settelment of the Rev'd Mr. Van 
Dyck was Contemplated, and, unable to EfiFect it without 
the Fishkill congregation. They oblidged us to submit to 

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The Records oj Christ Church 

Arbitration what they styled their equitable claim to one 
Moiety of the Church lands, on a promise made to them by 
Mr. Beardsley. The unjust issue of which was an Award 
declaring them the rightful proprietors of one half of the old 
and New Glebes, &c. 

We next set about repairing and Pewing the Church and 
purchased a Bell. 

In the year 1790 the Rev'd Vandyck removed to Amboy. 

And now the FishkiU people became clamorous for the sale 
of the Glebe, as they wanted the money to discharge their 
debts. 

Not long after, a New adjectment was brought against the 
Glebe, when, after a Spirited defence, and again expending 
upwards of £50, we were Reh'eved by a Non Suit in the 
Supream court. 

Finally, the Glebe was sold last January, aU excepting 
about Twenty odd acres. Our part of the money being 
£500-0-0, we immediately applyed £349-0-0 to the payment 
of a Debt incurred for Building the Church, and for which 
Mesrs Crannel & Davis were bound. 

Mr. Vandyck was succeeded by the Rev'd Mr. Spierin, who 
removed to Virginia in December, 1795. On the 25th day of 
that month the Rev'd John J. Sayre, our present Clergyman, 
succeeded to the Rectorship. 

Thus you will perceive our Church is paid for, but we are 
destitute of a parsonage house. The Vestry are disposed to 
erect one on the remaining Lands, which Doctor Cooke 
attempted to locate as Forfeited property, supposing the title 
to have been vested in you. 

This was Averted (as you have been previously informed by 
our letter of Nov'r 1789) By our personal appearance before 
the Governor, Attorney General, and board of Commissioners, 
Where our title was duly examined, And your Agency mani- 
fested by the Records remaining in the Secretary's office, 
whereby you obtained the title and Confirmation for the Cor- 
poration without any reservation, expressly declairing that 
the Church were the sole proprietors of the said lands. 

I have been the more particular. As some evil minded Per- 
sons have spread a Report that there was a Collusion in this 
Business, And that the land at that time was and still is 
Vested in the people of the State of New York. 
But, my friend, I pledge myself to use my utmost influence, 

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The Re cor ds of C hr i s t Church 

if you now come forward, to procure you an equitable settel- 
ment of all such demands as can with propriety be made. 

The church, tho in reduced circumstances from the falling 
off of the Fishkill congregation, which is nearly extinct. 
Manifests a laudable disposition to do you Justice. 

And I entertain a full confidence from your former candour 
that, in stating your demands, they will be accompany ed 
with that moderation which may render this transaction 
pleasing and expeditious. Delays may prove prejudicial; 
the present Crisis is therefore the most favourable that may 
happen. 

Few, very Few, of your old flock remain here; a new set of 
men Supply their places, And if two or three more should be 
removed insuperable difficultys may arise. 

A duplicate of this will be transmitted, and, if you should 
deem it expedient to return me an answer by way of preUm- 
inary to this Negotiation, it shall be duly attended to. It may 
be the more necessary as several of our former Letters are un- 
answered, and of course may have miscarried. 

I want to know the sum total you will accept, in full of all 
claims and demands whatsoever. 

Accept the best wishes of myself, family, and your old 
Parishioners. 
July 20th, 1796. Wm. Emott. 

15. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section F, No. 7. 

Original letter from the Rev. John Beardsley. 

Addressed on the outside to "Mr. William Emott at Poughkeepsie, 

New York State Favoured by Thomas Barker Esqr." Reads as 

follows: 

Maugerville New Brunswick 29th August 1796 
Dear Sir 

I yesterday received your Favour of the 20th ult. in which 
you write me that the people, Members of the protestant 
Episcopal church, are earnestly desirous of coming to a speedy 
and final Settlement with me. 

I am happy to be confirmed in what I have ever thought of 
my old friends there, which is, that they ever had, and still 
have, too high a sense of Honour and Equity to do injustice to 
one who had been about twelve years their faithful Servant in 
an important calling. 

In answer to the wish of my Friends among you, I will as 

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The Records of Christ Church 

speedily as possible prepare a Statement of my little matters, 
which shall (please God) be brought to you by one duly 
authorized to compleat the Settlement you mention. 

In that way, you may expect to hear from me within the 
Term of the insuing Fall. 

My affectionate respects and good wishes wait on you, your 
Family, and all my Friends; and I am dear Sir your most 
obedient and 

Most humble 
Servant 
Mr. Emott. John Beardsley. 

N.B. 

This letter will be handed to you by my Friend 

and Neighbor, Mr. Thomas Barker. 

16. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 8. 

Original memorandum from the Rev. John Beardsley. 

Endorsed outside, in writing of William Emott, "Beardsley Acc't, 

Received in Jan'r 1797." 

A Memorandum of what is due to me from the Rector and Inhab- 
itants of Poughkeepsie in Communion with the protestant Episcopal 
Church in the State of New York, for my assisting them in purchasing 
Lands, and procuring a Grant of the said Lands, for the use of the 
above said protestant Episcopal Church at Poughkeepsie; and for 
Buildings which I put on those Lands; together with one years Ser- 
vice that I did in their Church. 

To cash paid toward the purchase of the 

Land called the old Glebe £l30 — — 

To building a Barn near the 

dwelling House; 60 — — 

To building one do. nigh the 

main road, on the western division 40 — — 

of the above said old Glebe; 
To cash Spent in procuring a 
Grant of the Lands for the Said Church 

over and above what was repaid me 46 — — 

To one years service £30, which I 

will put down at 15 — 0—0 



£291—0—0 
Spanish Dollars at 8/ per Dollar.) 

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The Records ofCkrist Church 

N.B. 

That, as the people, Members of the before named Church, 
avaU themselves of a Title to the Lands within mentioned, 
I consider myself free from all claims, of any person or persons 
whoever, respectmg those lands; and what I have charged, to 
be justly due me, exclusive of interest; which I leave to be 
considered in the Settlement to take place between those con- 
cerned, and my son B. Crannell Beardsley, whom I send as 
my Lawful Attorney, for that, as well as other. Business. 
17th October 1796 John Beardsley. 

I wish further to note, that all the Missionarys from the 
Venerable Society, when called out of the States to settle 
among us, were directed to bring with them their Librarys; 
and further, that the Linen, put into the Surphce which I 
brought with me, was a gift of Capt Harris to me, and it was 
made by my wife. 

The Great Bible, which I left in the Church at Pough- 
keepsie, was a gift to me personally, for Services rendered on 
a day when my parish did not want me for any other duty. 
But on due consideration, I bestow it on Christs Church, 
where I suppose it now is, for the use it has heretofore been 
put to. 

John Beardsley. 

17. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section F, No. 9. 

Memorandum of testimony taken by the vestry in connection with 

the claims of Mr. Beardsley. 

Endorsed on outside, "Gideon Ostrander. Sale of the Glebe &c. 

Memo. Emott & Badger 1797." 

Kline Esopus 25th January 1797. 

Gideon Ostrander gave the following narrative of the Sale of 
the Glebe at the Request of William Emott and Ebenezer 
Badger, Viz — 

That he purchased the farm of old Hendrick Ostrom for six 
hundred pounds. 

One hundred pounds he paid down and Gave a Mortgage & 
Bonds for five hundred, with interest at 5 ^ per Cent, payable 
to the Executors, Administrators or Assigns of Hendrick 
Ostrom after the decease of himself and wife, by installments 
&c. 

That he sold it afterwards for the use of a parsonage. The 
whole of which transaction was conducted between himself 

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The Records of Christ Church 

and Bartholomew Crannell, and Received one hundred 
pounds of him and gave an indemnifying Bond to discharge 
one hundred pound on the mortgage. 

The remaining Four hundred pounds Crannell engaged to 
pay on the mortgage, with interest at 7 per Cent, so that the 
Glebe would amount to five hundred pounds. 

But Ostrander consented, before Crannell gave him any ob- 
ligations for the four hundred pounds above mentioned, that. 
If Ostrom's heirs would accept four hundred pounds, — in 
prompt payment infv'lof the five hundred pounds inserted in 
the mortgage, so that he might be finally discharged from the 
payment of the one hundred pounds for which the indemnify- 
ing Bond was given, — to have the Business settled in that way. 

Mr. Ostrander understood by Mr. Crannell that he had Set- 
tled with Old Ostrom's heirs on that principle. 

And that the Bonds and mortgage were in the hands of Mr. 
Crannell, which he neglected to call for while Mr. Crannell 
resided at Poughkeepsie. 

And has since been informed that Crannell settled with the 
heirs for £75.0.0 each. 
Present 
Peter Ostrander. 

18. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 13. 
1797, January (approximately). Copy of a communication made to 
Bartholomew Crannell Beardsley by Jacob RadcliflFe, counsel for 
Christ Church. 

Sir 

The demand, lately presented by you on the part of the 
Rev'd John Beardsley against the members of the Episcopal 
Church in this place, has been laid before the Vestry, who, 
in order to facilitate a settlement, have referred the same to 
us, with power on their part to close the business. 

Pursuant to our appointment we have closely examined the 
account, and compared it with the documents now remaining 
with the Secretary, in order to ascertain with precision the 
equitableness of the items. 

The result of this research has been confusion. We find the 
affairs of the Church in its first establishment so involved in 
obscurity that they are, and must remain, inexplicable, 
unless cleared up by extraneous testimony. 

The information of persons who have been privy to the tran- 

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The Records of Christ Church 

sactions is the most obvious, and perhaps may with propriety 
be considered as the only, source, from whence this explanation 
can be obtained. 

A variety of circumstances have concurred to remove almost 
every person concerned in these transactions, and the few who 
remain are not able to dispel the darkness which surrounds 
them. 

Thus situated, it becomes necessary for us to refer ourselves, 
through you, to your father for information, and we cannot 
allow ourselves to doubt but that he will cheerfully comply 
with our wishes. 

! ; Before we commence this enquiry, we must be permitted to 
observe that, as far as we are acquainted with the sentiments 
of Vestry, they are perfectly disposed to settle with your father 
on equitable terms, altho his demands have, at this late period 
become so stale by their antiquity that he could not possibly 
compel them to it. 

With respect to the Lot of Land which he has mentioned, 
with an earnestness bordering acrimony, we must take the 
liberty of mentioning to him that, were the Vestry to surrender 
the Land to him, which, however, we are persuaded they 
never will do, and to charge him with the trouble and expense 
they have been at about the same, he would not eventually be 
a gainer by that arrangement. 

He is too well acquainted with our situation during the War " 
between this Country and Great Britain, and the measures we 
had to pursue to retain the property, to need any further in- 
formation on this head. 

The first and the principle charge in the account exhibited 
is for cash advanced on the purchase of the Glebe, set down by 
your father in round numbers at £130. 

This sum is in itself so considerable that we should not be 
justified in the minds of the congregation, — which, at tliis time, 
is composed in most part of persons who have not had the 
pleasure of a personal acquaintance with your father, — unless 
it is satisfactorily made out to whom, at what times, and how, 
the payments have been made. 

It will therefore be incumbent on your father to transmit to 
you the evidences of the payments, and, when that is done, 
we shall come to a speedy settlement with you. 

We have a further reason in making this request, and that 
is that the representatives of some of the Ostroms claim 

376 



The Records oj Christ Church 

monies as still due on the purchase of the Glebe, and, if they 
have been paid by your father, we wish the business so far as- 
certained that we can combat their demand with a prospect of 
success. 

Should this not be done we might be liable to pay the same 
monies twice, which we cannot consent to do. 

One farther measure, among the variety of ways that these 
payments can be ascertained, is the production of the bonds 
originally given, and which we presume are either in the hands 
of your father or with the papers of the late Mr. Crannell. 

One farther measure is necessary on the part of your father, 
and that is to send a release of all his claims on the lands. 
This will be insisted on as an indispensable preliminary to our 
negotiations. Not because it appears to us of any importance, 
but to satisfy the minds of some scrupulous members of the 
congregation, who have become startled at the reiteration by 
your father of his pretentions to the lot. 

19. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 207. 

1797, Feb. 14, A Power of Attorney was laid on the Table by WiUiam 
Emott, from the Rev'd John Beardsley to his son Bartholomew Crannel 
Beardsley Esqr., containing full power for a settlement of all existing 
accounts between the Reverend John Beardsley and this Corporation, 
which was read and approved. 

Resolved, that William Emott, Robert Noxon, John Read, James 
Bramble and Ebenezer Badger, are hereby appointed a Select Com- 
mittee to treat with Bartholomew Crannell Beardsley respecting the 
claims of his Father, and report the same at the next meeting of 
Vestry. 

20. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 208. 

1797, Feb. 15, [Meeting of the committee, appointed Feb. 14.] 
The Claims of the Rev'd John Beardsley were laid before the Com- 
mittee, who, after examining the same, drew up the following communi- 
cation to his Attorney, Bartholomew Crannell Beardsley, viz : 

The Demands your Father has made, through you, on the 
Corporation of the Rector and Inhabitants of Poughkeepsie 
in Communion with the Protestant Episcopal Church in the 
State of New York, has been laid before the Vestry, who have 
referred the same to a Select Committee. 

They have bestowed much pains in investigating the original 
purchase of the Church Lands, and Mr. Beardsley's Agency 

377 



The Records ofChrist Church 

therein, in order to ascertain what sums, to whom, and when 
paid, were advanced out of his private purse. 

Your Father states his Account at £130, without descending 
to particulars. 

Great was our surprise, when we discovered amongst the 
old papers a Mortgage,^ in our possession, which covers the 
whole purchase of the Ostrum farm, given by Ostrander, on 
which there is an assignment to the Church, executed by 
Andreas Ostrum, Hendrick Ostrimi, and Jacobus Ostrum, for 
three-fifths of the £500 for which the mortgage was given, with 
the signature of their Mother, the widow Ostrum, respecting 
the annuity therein mentioned for her support. 

But John Ostrum and his sister, Nelly Westervelt, for some 
reasons (unknown to us), have not signed the release on the 
back of the instrument; so that receipts are still wanting for 
their two-fifths of the £500. This leaves a possibility of an 
incumbrance on the land which we are determined shall not 
exist. 

It is our duty therefore to collect vouchers, receipts, and 
other evidence, that they also have been paid and satisfied. 

The presumption with us is that your Father paid Nelly, 
but, in order to make it appear, you are requested to write to 
him, instantly to send on his vouchers. 

John, we suppose has also received payment. Your Father 
will also send information on that subject with his receipts. 

We have discovered that the Original Bonds are with Mr. 
Crannell's papers; that he received them together with the 
above mortgage. These he neglected to give to our Secre- 
tary, John Davis, when he put the mortgage into Mr. Davis's 
hands for the Church. 

Our Counsel advises that, if those Bonds accompanyed the 
Mortgage, it would in effect preclude its operation. 

Your Father will no doubt cheerfully procure the papers, 
and send them on with all other receipts & vouchers for 
moneys paid, with a particular statement of circumstances 
relative thereto, in detail. 

The reason why we have not given you an answer sooner, 
arose from the embarassments and perplexitys with which 
these antient transactions are surrounded. 

1 On file with parochial manuscripts are the deed from the Ostroms to 
Gideon Ostrander and Ostrander's bond to them securing ^500; signa- 
tures on the bond as described in the text. 

378 



The Records of Christ Church 

In fact, the present Vestry have to guide themselves princi- 
pally by informations, not having personal knowledge in this 
rfusmess. 

You will also be so oblidging as to state to your Father the 
foUowmg facts.-That this Corporation, from the date of its 
existence, have had a good title for these Lands, and peaceable 
possession to this day. 

But, as you have hinted that he has some distant preten- 
tions to some part thereof, you must procure a Release, 
recitmg that as these, and other Lands, thereunto adjoining 
were purchased by the inhabitants of Poughkeepsie in the 
County of Dutchess and Province of New York, in communion 
of the Church of England as by law Established, as a Glebe - 
which, for want of Letters of incorporation, were held by 
Deeds of trust only, as, by referring to the Minutes of the Gov- 
ernor and Council &c, of the 31st December 1771, will fully 
appear; and that Government did Vest the same, pursuant 
to the petition of him, the Rev'd John Beardsley, in the Cor- 
poration then distinguished by the Name and Stile of "The 
Rector and Inhabitants of Poughkeepsie, in Dutchess County 
m Communion of the Church of England, as by Law Estab- 
hshed, by a Royal Charter and Confirmation bearing date 
the nmth Day of March 1773,-this will be an indispensable 
preliminary m our negotiations. 

Your Father wished to obtain a Deed for part of these 
Lands, m the year 1774, from the Corporation. Mr. Crannell 
personally opposed and defeated the measure. Mr. Beardsley 
will recollect the objection. 

Full confidence was reposed by the Vestry in those two 

Gentlemen, who alone were privy to the purchase of the Glebe 

The Circumstances of the Mortgage, lately discovered. 

seems to account in part for the Violent Opposition made by 

your Grand Father. 

Your Father having enter 'd into a joint Bond with Peter 
Harris to pay old Mrs. Ostrum an annuity. Jacobus Ostrum 
comes forward as Administrator to his Mother's estate, and 
Demands from Mr. Beardsley, as by the Statement handed 
in by yourself, for the sum of £96.9.7 }4. 

If your Father can procure from Mrs. Harris any receipts for 
payments made by her late' husband, it will extinguish so 
much of that Claim. 

These are difficultys to be got over,— and you will readily 



79 



The Records of Christ Church 

agree with us that the Vestry cannot Consent, on any princi- 
ple, to pay money on the Land Business, while Claims or 
Incumbrances exist beyond their value. 

Mr. Beardsley says he has advanced £130 .0.0 

Jacobus Ostrum Charges Mr. Beardsley 

for his Mother's Annuity 96 . 9 . 7& H 

On old Ostiums Mortgage which 

has or must be paid 200 .0.0 



£426.9.7&H 
Bartholomew Crannell Beardsley present. 
Ordered that Mr. Badger deliver a Copy of the above to B. CranneU 
Beardsley Tomorrow. 

21. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 215. 

1797, Apr. 18, On motion of Mr. Emott and seconded by Mr. Davis 
resolved, that the Select Committee be authorized to Draw on the 
Treasurer for the payment of Forty-four Pounds, to be apphed to the 
purchase of a Certain Bond in favour of the widow of the late Henry 
Ostrum Des'd, now in the possession of Jacobus Ostrum, Adminis- 
trator of the said Widow Ostrum, against John Beardsley and Peter 
Harris late Inhabitants of Poughkeepsie. 

22. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 216. 

1797, Apr. 20, In consequence of an Order on the Treasurer by the 
select Conamittee to pay the Amount of a Certain Bond, above or 
heretofore described, he has paid the Sum of £44 .13.4 and thereon has 
obtained a full discharge from Jacobus Ostrum as Administrator to 
the widow of the late Henry Ostrum Des'd. 

23. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 10. 

Heading: "Extracts from Mr. Beardsley's letter to B. Crannell 
Beardsley of June 12th, 1797." [Apparently a copy of parts of a 
letter, furnished the vestry for their consideration.] 

If they [the committee of the vestry of Poughkeepsie] wish 
to do me justice, their business is to allow me what I long since 
advanced in procuring and improviag the lands I left in their 
possession, with the interest for what I paid, from the time 
they received the rent of them." 

They say they have a good title to those lands; but I am 
confident Mr. Richard Davis and Mr, Will'm Emott, and per- 

380 



The Records oj Christ Church 

haps others, can recollect that the whole being granted to the 
church was to prevent the expence of two grants instead of 
one; and that the reason of Mr. Crannell's objecting (at a Ves- 
try meeting) against my receiving their deed for one third of 
the land contained in the old Glebe, was on account of an 
error in the first estimate of the number of acres in it, being at 
first considered only about 70 acres, as will appear from the 
deed given me by Ostrander containing 23 acres; but by an 
after survey of the old Glebe, it was found to contain at least 
a himdred acres, and of consequence, that instead of 23 I 
ought to have had thirty-three acres. Mr. Crannell's only 
Objection to my having a deed from the corporation, was that 
it might be put off till a fair division should be made, that I 
might be allowed in the conveyance a third part of the land 
contained in the old Glebe. All which I am confident the 
Vestry then being, must, on due recollection remember." 

To make matters as clear as possible, I inclose herewith the 
deeds, bonds, & all that I can find among Mr. Crannell's papers 
which relate to the business. 

The account I sent by you, in my charge against the cor- 
poration, is just, and I cannot alter it; who can suppose that I 
took receipts for what I advanced at so many different times 
and places to defray my expenses, and for the checks at the 
different offices, to procure the charter and grant.?" 

My character through life I think might have some weight, 
with respect to the justice of my charge, at least among people 
of consideration that know me, and it would be a great injury 
done me to insinuate the contrary." 

I have not a doubt but all Ostrom's heirs are paid, though I 
have not perhaps sufficient vouchers (excepting Nelly the 
daughter) ; and that the whole of the embarassment must rest 
upon me, when the most of my claim can be but one third, — 
would be contrary to the order of nature. 

24. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 219. 

1797, Sep. 5, On Motion of Mr. Emott & seconded by Mr. Mitchell 
that a Committee be appointed consistmg of Three of the Vestry to 
investigate and employ Council in the discussion of the claims exhibited 
against this Corporation by the Reverend John Beardsley, Whereupon, 
Messrs Richard Davis, William Emott, and John Reade were Unan- 
imously Chosen. 

381 



The Records ofChrist Church 

25. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 231. 

1799, Apr. 4, Resolved that Mr. John Davis and Mr. WilUam Emott 
be a Committee to see Bartholomew Crannell Beardsley Esquire, and 
endeavor to investigate the Claim of the Rev'd John Beardsley and 
to take such farther measures in the business as they shall deem most 
advantageous to the church. 

26. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 15. 
Copy of a Letter to the Rev'd John Beardsley. 

Poughkeepsie April 17th, 1799. 
Rev'd Sir 

The Vestry of Christs Church of this place, anxious if possi- 
ble to hquidate and finally adjust all subsisting differences 
in accounts between yourself and them, enbrace with pleasure 
this opportunity of your Son returning to New Brunswick, 
who will, from the Conversation they have had with him, 
be able to convey their sentiments more fully than can possibly 
be communicated on paper. 

In the first place your Charge for Salary they think in- 
admissable, as you are fully convinced that the then times 
totally disenabled them from making any Collections of 
Salary or even any other dues to the Church. 

Also your Charge for obtaining the Charter, as they find 
from the Books the Sum of £14.13.4 charged by Mr. John 
Davis for moneys paid you for the expences in Obtaining the 
Charter. 

Any Charges you may have for money advanced towards 
the purchase of Lands in the possession of the Church, or 
Buildings erected thereon, will meet with every attention and 
Consideration. 

In takiag a View of the Old Books and accounts, it appears 
that sums of money had been Collected by Mr. Crannell, 
together with his Subscription of £50.0.0 for Building the 
Church, and also sums Collected by yourself; whether, if 
those accoimts were properly Liquidated, it would not 
(assure?) you a sufficient sum to reimburse you for any ad- 
vances you may have made on account of the Glebe. 

As your Son will probably return this way, you are request- 
ed to furnish him with a History of the transactions, according 
to the best of your recollection, of the purchase of the Glebe, 
also the sums paid and to whom, as we wish if possible fully to 
extinguish all old Claims; be so oblidging to commit the detail 

382 



The Records of Christ Church 

to writing, and, should it be either in your own or your Son's 
power to find any papers or accounts, amongst the papers of 
Mr. Crannell, that will throw any light upon the subject, 
they request it may be particularly attended to. 

Should your Son return this way, advise that he may be fur- 
nished with a Quit-Claim, duly executed by you, respecting a 
Certain Lot of Land, in order to extinguish all future claims on 
a final settlement. 

The Bond of Ostrum and Harris was paid up the 19th April, 
1797, and is now in the Hands of the Vestry of Christ Church 
of this place. 

In looking over the Books, find an account against Mr 
Crannell, a Copy of which inclose, as there is no Credit on the 
Books; suppose of course you will be able to find his Charges 
against the Church, which will of course assist in a final ad- 
justment of all the business. 

We are Rev'd Sir 

respectfully your most obed 
Hum'l Servants 

in behalf of the Vestry Stephen Hoyt Sect'y- 

27. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 261. 

1803, Aug. 4, Mr. Samuel Nichols of the City of St. Johns and 
Province of New Brunswick appeared before our Board and says he 
is duly authorized by the Rev'd John Beardsley to Demand from this 
Corporation a Certain Lot of Land lying in the Town of Poughkeepsie, 
distinguished by the Name of the twenty-three acre lot, and that 
he is instructed by said Beardsley, in case of a cession of said land 
to him, to Relinquish all other Claims that the said John Beardsley 
now has against said Corporation. This meeting adjourned until 
tomorrow at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. 

28. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 16. 

Heading: "Memorandum for the use of Vestry 5th August 1803." 
An unsigned paper, in the handwriting of William Emott. Consists of 
one large sheet; ends so abruptly as to indicate that half the sheet 
is lacking. Reads as follows : 

Statement supposed to be correct — Rev'd Mr. Beardsley 
was appointed a Missionary at Groton in Connecticut in 1763. 

The Society in England consented to transfer the mission 
to Dutchess county, on the application of Mr. Beardsley, and 
to Continue their Bounty of £60 .0.0a year, on condition that 

383 



The Records oJChrist Church 

the people of Fishkill and Poughkeepsie would purchase a 
Glebe for the residence of the parson. 

It was agreed that subscriptions should be opened to Raise 
money for that purpose. 

The Fishkill gentlemen intended a small farm should be 
purchased in their town. Mr. Crannell contended for the 
place that was afterwards purchased. 

This point being submitted to Mr. Beardslej^ he declared 
in favour of Poughkeepsie, where a place was offered for 
£600. 

The Fishkill (gentlemen) found themselves committed; en- 
deavored to frustrate the purchase, alledging that £600 was 
too large a sum; they could prociu-e a place in their town for 
£400. 

Mr. Beardsley, desirous of accomplishing the purchase at 
Poughkeepsie, ofiFered that, if the Churches could not take the 
whole, he would by some means or other take a third part. 

The Fishkill was in this manner compelled to submit. 

There being very few churchmen at that time in Pough- 
keepsie, Mr. Crannell and Mr. Beardsley volunteered in man- 
aging the whole concern; they collected the donation moneys, 
and made the purchase so far as related to our Church. 

There is reason to believe that Mr. Beardsley so managed 
the Business, agreeable to his above declaration, and had a 
deed executed to him for the 23 acre lot. But as he was at 
that time (that is, in 1767), a person of Httle or no property, it 
may be presumed the consideration money was part of the 
public donations received by him. For, as he was not in 
Cash, if it came from another source it must be in his recollec- 
tion from whom he borrowed the money. Why then does he 
deny us this information, and produce no vouchers but his 
old deed. 

It is further to be remarked that Mr. Craimell & the parson 
continued to direct the temporalitys of the Church with the 
assistance of a nominal Vestry, who kept no regular minutes 
of their proceedings until about 1772; during which period 
they had the entire disposal of all money matters, and it is to 
be lamented that they never came forward after the Charter 
was obtained from the then government to explain the pur- 
chase of the Glebe and the payments. 

By which means their transactions for a Number of years 
are not well understood, and no person on earth can give an 

384 



The Records of Chr i St Church 

explanation but Mr. Beardsley. And, what is surprising, 
he to this day evades or neglects giving the vestry the necess- 
ary information. 

The Church have always expressed a willingness to remun- 
erate Mr. Beardsley for any cash he has advanced to their 
use, but have not the most distant idea of his having any just 
or legal title to the 23 acres, for a number of Reasons, some of 
which are as follows — to wit — 

1st, Because it does not appear that Mr. Beardsley paid a 
valuable consideration out of his private purse. 

2d, Because Mr. Beardsley, no doubt from proper convic- 
tions, accepted the appointment of Agent for this congrega- 
tion to Government to obtain a Confirmation and Letters 
patent for these lands to this Corporation, himself being the 
principal petitioner, wherein he set forth that this parcel of 
land, together with the other part of the Ostrom farm, were 
all purchased for the use of this Church and held by deeds of 
trust only. 

3d, Because Mr. Beardsley, before the Revolution, constant- 
ly declared himself divested of all title to these Lands; in 
consequence of which, being desirous to own the property, he 
made application to the Vestry for a Reconveyance, which 
was indignantly refused by Mr. Crannell, then a Warden. 
After this application, near 30 years since, his pretended claim 
has lain Dormant. 

And 4th, Because Mr. Beardsley has permitted this piece of 
Land to remain in the Quiet possession of this Corporation 
for more than 25 years; who were at the trouble and expence 
of protecting it against Locations and confiscations, which 
would have been the case if the evidence of the title being in 
us, and not in him, had not been clearly made out to the sat- 
isfaction of the Officers of Government. 

It is worthy of observation that Mr. Beardsley and Mr. 
Crannell Received considerable sums of money from time to 
time, acting in concert, and, notwithstanding their leaving 
Business at such loose ends, it is manifest that Mr. Crannell 
received repeatedly large sums of money, and converted them 
to his own use independent of Glebe money. But it has been 
foxmd convenient, since the connection between the two fam- 
ilies, to be perfectly silent on this disagreeable subject. 

We are disposed to do justice to all men, and expect the same 
kind of treatment. 

385 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

29. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 17. 

1803, Aug. 5, the probable date, of a fragment in the handwriting of 
of WilUam Emott, and bearing his and other signatures. Refers, 
apparently to No. 28, above. 

The above paper being read in Vestry was unanimously 
allowed to be correct & proper to the Best of their knowledge 
and Belief. And being read a Second time by WiUiam Emott 
— in the presence of Ebenezer Balding, Ebenezer Badger and 
Leonard Davis, on the 7th of Aug'st 1803— to Richard Davis, 
he also, on being asked the question declared the statement 
to be true to the best of his knowledge. 

WiUiam Emott 

Eben'r Badger 

Eben'r Baldwin 
And Mr. Davis acknowledged he did not know any payments 
made by John Beardsley on the 23 acre lot. 

30. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 216. 

1803, Aug. 5, After looking over Minutes of the Vestry of this Cor- 
poration Respecting the Demand made yesterday By Mr. Samuel 
Nichols, in behalf of the Rev'd John Beardsley, for the Glebe Lot, 
they are of opinion that said Beardsley has no Claim either in Law or 
Equity to said Glebe, and that William Emott Esqr is Requested and 
impowered to give a Verble Answer to said Nichols of our Opinion, 
and that they will not give up said Glebe to any Person unless legally 
obtain'd, and also that said Emott is Requested to Imploy Garret B. 
Van Ness as Council for said Vestry in the above matters. 

31. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section F, No. 18. 
Letter, addressed: "The Rev'd Mr. Chase, Present." 

Poughkeepsie 6th Sept, 1803. 
To the Pastor, Wardens, & Vestry of the Episcopal Church, 
Gent'n, 

At the Meeting held sometime past at the Rev'd Mr. Chase, 
I Demanded of you to give up the Possession of a certain lot of 
Land, the property of the Rev'd John Beardsley. Which lot 
of land I now Demand, or to pay me the sum of £291 lawful 
money of the State of New York. Upon receipt of the afore- 
mentioned sum of £291, 1 will execute to you a Quit Claim of 
said lot of land and give you a full Discharge from all accounts 

386 



The Records ofChrist Church 

whatsoever the Rev'd John Beardsley may have against the 
Episcopal Church at Poughkeepsie. 

You will Please give me an answer to this Proposal. 
I remain Gent'n 

your hmb Servt 

Samuel Nichols. 

On the outside of this letter is written: 

To the Wardens and Vestry of Christ's Church 
I do not deem the contents of the within curious commu- 
nication of sufficient consequence to justify me in calling a 
meeting. Nevertheless, if anj' of you should diflfer from me 
in this opinion, I beg you would signify the same to 
Gentlemen 
yours &c 
P. Chase. 
Parsonage house — Septemb'r 6, 1803. 

32. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 268. 

1805, Apr. 17, Resolved, that a Committee of two persons be appointed 
to wait on the Rev'd Mr. Beardsley, to inquire whether it be his wish 
to meet the Vestry upon the unsettled business between him and this 
Corporation, and, in case he shall desire it, to make arrangements for 
calling a Special meeting of the Vestry. 
Whereupon the two Wardens were appointed that Committee. 

33. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 268-69. 

1805, Apr. 22, Resolved, that William Emott, John Davis, & Randle 
Street be a Conamittee for the purpose of Conferring with the Rev'd 
John Beardsley respecting any com m u n ications he may wish to make 
to this board, and report the substance of the conference in writing 
to this board at their next meeting. 

34. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section F, No. 22. 
Communication addressed to "William Emott Esquire Poughkeepsie.'* 
Endorsed in Emott's writing, — "G. B. Van Ness Councellor & Opinion 
respecting a Claim on Land by Mr. Beardsley." Reads as follows: 

Sir, 

I have perused the statement you have made for me relative 
to the claim of the Rev'd John Beardsley to one third part of 
your Glebe. 

387 



The Records ofChrist Church 

It appears from the above statement that the claimant has 
a conveyance from the original proprietor of the Glebe of the 
one third part thereof, which, on the face of it, appears to be 
an absolute deed in fee simple. 

It appears from documents within your power that this deed 
was taken and held in trust for the Church. 

It also appears that in the year 1773 a deed of confirmation 
was sued out from the then Governor and Council for the 
Glebe, including the premises now claimed, whereby the 
church have ever since held the possession of the same. 

I am of opinion : — That if the trust can be estabhshed, that 
a court will always presume that the trustee has surrendered 
or reconveyed for the benefit of the cestui que trust, who in 
this case would be the Church, in order to protect the pos- 
session against the tTUstee. 

I also think that the Church, having had more than 20 
years possession, and such possession acquired at least under 
color of right, will in law be deemed adverse and thus defeat 
an action of Ejectment. 

The former seems to me to furnish the more valid and com- 
plete defence, and therefore would advise your principal atten- 
tion to that &c. 

Equitable claims seem not at present to be the basis of in- 
quiry, I therefore forbear giving an opinion on them. 
Yours respectfully 
&c 

G.B. Van Ness. 
May 17, 1805. ' 

To Wm Emott Esqr 

Agent for Church aflfairs. 

35. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 269. 

1805, May 23, The committee appointed at the last meeting to confer 
with the Rev'd Mr. Beardsley reported that they had rec'd the Claims 
of Mr. Beardsley in writing, which were read to the board and ordered 
to be placed on file. 

[Editor's note: This document is on file in Parish Mss., Glebe 
papers, Section F, No. 19, A copy of it is here inserted in 
connection with the quotation from Vestry Minutes.] 



388 



The Records of Christ Church 

The Corporation of the Episcopal Church at Poughkeepsie, 

To John Beardsley, Clerk, jy 

The barn I left standing on my Land was 49 by ^ ' 

21 feet, 32 feet covered with shingle, the residue 
with Boards, the roof of that part covered with 
boards projected beyond the body of the building 
so as to form a shed for cattle. This building 
being removed by order or permission of the Cor- 
poration, I charge as an item of my account, which, 
though at an under, or very low, appraisement, 
I set it down at £ ^^ ^ ^ 

To a barn built on the Glebe wholely at my ex- 
pence 



To one years salary oq 



60. 0.0 
0.0 



To cash I spent in procuring a Charter of incor 
poration for the church and patent of confirmation 

for the Glebe and my own Land 64 q q 

To the use and occupation of 23 acres of Land 
from December 1777 to May 1783, 5 years at 

£6.0.0 per year \ 30 

To do. tiU 1800, 17 years, £lO per year. . ' " 170 

" " " 1805, 5 " £15 - " :: 75: oio 

Per Contra ' ^i 

By cash in hand toward defraying of the expenses 
of procuring the Charter and confirmation of title 

to the land about £ 14 on 

By my proportion of the expense in procuring 
the patent of confirmation to the Glebe, including 
my 23 acres, which at the time I took my deed 
was supposed to be one third in quantity of the 

Land purchased of Ostrander 21 q q 

By cash paid to Jacobus Ostrum by the Corpora- 

*^°^ 75. 0.0 

-, ^ £110. 6.8 

By ballance due 35g jg a 

Errors excepted £409. 0.0 

Poughkeepsie 
22d of April 

1^05 John Beardsley 

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The Records of Christ Church 

N. B. As I had great anxiety, and used much exertion in up 
Building and estabhshment of the Episcopal church in its in- 
fancy here, So I would wish to demonstrate in the Business 
before us. That I have not forgotten the Sacred connection 
between us; and as the above articles are rendered on a prin- 
ciple that the demand is founded in equity, and the sums far 
within the bounds which Strict Justice points out, Should they 
not be acceeded to, I hold myself at hberty in future to demand 
what I suppose good conscience will warrant; Especially with 
respect to the Charges for the use and occupation of my Land; 
which Land I expect will without hesitation be Surrendered 
to me. 

John Beardsley. 

[Editor's note: Accompanying the above account, is a separate 
sheet, filed as No. 20 of Section F, Glebe papers, which is 
endorsed in Wilham Emott's writing, — "John Beardsley 1805 
Observations &c May 7th." A copy of it is here inserted.] 

With the Statement I handed in, I wish also to present fol- 
lowing Notes or memorandum respecting the Farm pur- 
chased of Ostrander by the Members of the Church and me. 
The whole was bought for £600 .0.0 and as I was one third in 
the purchase I became responsible for £200. At the time I 
took a deed of Ostrander, the old Farm was thought to con- 
tain only 70 acres, and my third was concluded to be but 23 
acres, as my deed shews. 

The dwelling House, the well, the Barrack, the apple 
orchard and other fruit trees being on the part the Church 
purchased, it was considered equally valuable by the acre with 
what was set off to me. The Farm afterwards was found to 
contain a hundred acres, which left me Short of my Just 
Dividend. 

It was on this accovmt that Mr. Crannell, at a meeting of 
the Vestry, prevailed on the members to put ofiF a re-grant or 
deed from them to me of the 23 acres (as he said to me) that 
in the final adjustment I might have more land allowed me. 

It is no doubt well known to Sundry here, that my 23 acres, 
being included in the grant of lands given to the Church, was 
Solely with a view to prevent a double Cost, which must have 
(been) incurred had I taken out a Separate grant to my 23 
acres. 

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The Records of Christ Church 

The method which took place was thought the best, and it 
was so done on the principle above mentioned. 

My motive in presenting this memorandum is to assist those 
who were here on the Spot, at the time when the matters re- 
ferred to were transacted, in a due recollection; and, withal, 
to inform others who have Since Settled here, and have become 
members of the Corporation, whose right it is to know the 
grounds of the whole business. As I did not remove from 
Poughkeepsie to New York and Join the British Side of my 
own accord, but went by Constraint, being Sent away by the 
powers then prevailing, I was not considered in the light of 
those who left their home of Choice, and therefore no attainder 
was ever made out against me. 

[Continued:— minutes of May 23, 1805.] 

The Committee also reported a Statement in writing of the situation 
of the Controversy with the Rev'd Mr. Beardsley as far as the same 
had come to their knowledge, which was read to the board. 

[Editor's note: This document is on file in Parish Mss., Glebe 
papers, Section F, No. 21. A copy of it is here inserted in 
connection with the quotation from Vestry Minutes. The 
writing is William Emott's.] 

May 1805 Memorandum and minutes supposed to be cor- 
rect for the use of the investigating Committee, relative to 
certain Claims of the Rev'd Jno Beardsley. 

This gentelman, being a Missionary of the society for propa- 
gating the gospel in foreign parts, came from Groton in Con- 
necticut to Fishkill about the year 1766 to establish a mission, 
and getting acquainted with Messrs Cooke and Laroux and 
others in that town, they entered zealously into the measure. 

The terms proposed were that a small Farm or Glebe should 
be purchased for the use of the clergyman, with a Salary of 
£60.0.0 pr annum, this being complied with by one or more 
congregations as he should agree to; the Society on their part 
would furnish a Library and Settel an anuity on the mission of 
£35.0.0 Sterling. 

The gentelemen of Fishkill, wishing to embrace this Opper- 
tunity, made sutable exertions in their Vicinity. 

But, not possessing resources competent to the Occasion, 
with Mr. Beardsley's consent, they sought for assistance from 
the adjoining town of Poughkeepsie, who, with respect of num- 

391 



The Records ofChrist Church 

bers or wealth, were vastly inferior and might be Shook of at 
a Convenient Season. 

Under these impressions, Messrs Crannell, Harris, and 
Others were resorted to and some of the inhabitants of Po- 
quague & Nine Partners were induced to give their feeble aid. 
These gentelmen held their meetings at Peter Harris's, 
(now Ingrams); the necessity of the case obliged them to 
form a self-created Society, it was called a Vestry meeeting 
of the four Churches. 

The first step was to agree where the Glebe should be pur- 
chased, whether in Fishkill or Poughkeepsie. 

The gentelmen from the first of these places, considering 
themselves as principles, expected little opposition to having 
it in their town and neighborhood. 

Mr. Crannell, however, a Sharp sighted man, took care to 
make sutable impressions on the clergyman of the propriety 
of making the purchase at Poughkeepsie. 

All this was Correct. However, when the thing was to be 
settled at Harris's, the one side advocated the purchase of a 
place near Mr. Cooke's ; the other, Ostrander's farm; after 
a lengthy and warm altercation, in which neither of the parties 
would yield, they had but one alternative and pledged their 
honour to abide the decision of Mr. Beardsley. 

He, being called into the room, and not being suffered to de- 
cline giving an Opinion, was in favour of Ostrander Farm. 

Mr. Cooke and his friends were much mortified and dis 
appointed at the parson's decision. 

However, as they had committed themselves, they endeav- 
ored to have a reconsideration; on the principle that (the) 
Ostrander farm would cost about a third more than the Fish- 
kill Glebe and contained fewer acres; that the Joint efforts of 
the intended Churches might not be suflScient to raise the 
purchase money. 

Mr. Beardsley was by some means induced to offer, if no 
better plan could be devised, to take }i of the Land rather 
than return to New England and abandon his present plan of 
a Settelment in Dutchess County. 

This silenced the opposition, and subscriptions were set on 
foot to purchase the Ostrander Farm. 

From this period, Mr. Cooke and his friends reposed less 
confidence in Mr. Beardsley, and a cordial intimacy on the 
part of the Clergyman took place with Mr. Crannell, who, 

392 



The Records of Christ Church 

from this moment, until the grant and Charter was obtained 
the 9th of March in the year 1773, might be considered the 
dictator of every measure Relative to the Church affairs of 
Poughkeepsie. 

These two gentelmen made the purchase from Ostrander 
together with Messrs Cooke & Laroux with others, all of whom 
were nominal Cliurch wardens and Vestrymen; their powers, 
if any they had, could only be of an Ecclesiastical Nature. 

Mr. Crannell, being counsellor and conveyancer, drew one 
deed for % to the Society in England, and the other for ^ 
to Mr. Beardsley. This policy was necessary to induce the 
society to establish the mission, and to appease the FishkiU 
gentelmen. 

Mr. Beardsley was at this time in low circumstances, as is 
generally the case with young professional men, and, having 
no connections to assist him in pecuniary matters, it is con- 
ceived that his receiving a conveyance thro the management of 
Mr. Crannell was merely a nominal thing; for he has never 
condescended to inform the episcopal Corporation of any 
payments made by him on the lot he pretends to Claim, or of 
his giving a Bond at the time. The presumption therefore is 
that he did not advance the money or give his Obligation. 
In corroberation of the foregoing statement— Jno. Beard- 
. sley, Barth'w Crannell, Isaac Balding, & Richard Davis 
Signed a petition to Gov'r Tryon 4 Oct'r 1771, Setting forth, 
m Substance, that all the lands purchased of Ostrander was the' 
Sole property of the Church, & was, for want of Letters of 
incorporation held by Deeds of trust only,— to wit a Deed to 
the Society and also a deed to Mr. Beardsley; all which is 
again contained in the Recitals in the Confirmation and Char- 
ter and other Documents. 

And this same Mr. Beardsley, under the Counsel and direc- 
tion of Mr. Crannell, went to New York as Agent, and pre- 
sented said petition, and attended to Business with the utmost 
diligence, until he got it accomplished. For which he charges 
£46.0.0. 

It would be too tedious here to investigate the manner in 
which this purchase was made of Ostrander. It should seem 
that the purchasers were to step into Ostrander 's shoes as it 
respected Ostrom's heirs. 

The Old man being dead, but the widow was at that time 
living; and, as the payments would not become due until after 

393 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

her death, and her children (were) much in want of Cash, by 
consent of the mother her children were suflfered to dispose of 
their shares; which 3 out of 5 at least did, at a discount for 
prompt payment. 

The subscription moneys were received and applyed by 
Crannell & Beardsley. That Mr. Beardsley did not advance 
money, is evident from his entering into a Joint Obligation 
with Peter Harris to pay the sum of £8.0.0 a year interest 
money to the Old lady during her life; £4.0.0 of which was 
afterwards annually paid by Mr. Beardsley to her until about 
1776. 

The remainder that Beardsley was to have paid, and the 
whole sum due from Harris, has been paid by the Corporation, 
and the Obligation taken up in 1797 by the advice of Jacob 
Radcliffe Esqr. 

It is believed that if Mr. Beardsley had continued here, and 
Mr. Crannell and himself had settled up their accounts, the 
Vestry — being now a legal body — would either have Reim- 
bursed the Sums that Mr. Beardsley had advanced, if any; or 
they might have Sold and Conveyed the lot to him, if he found 
himself in Circumstances to make the purchase. 

Why this arrangement did not take place between the 9th 
March 1773, the time when this Body politic was Created, 
and Nov'r 1776 when he removed to New York, is mysterious. 
The corporation, from the first moment of its existence, 
found themselves in possession of a title to the lands in ques- 
tion by the procurement of Messrs. Crannell & Beardsley; and 
in the Charter the one is named as Rector the Other church 
warden, and remained in their Respective offices while they 
Continued in Poughkeepsie. 

Thus the Father-in-law and son-in-law had it amply in their 
power without opposition to have accounted for all moneys 
by them received or paid out, and made a final Settelment. 

The corrispondence with Mr. Beardsley is on file with the 
Church papers, and the Reports of Various Committees will be 
found on the minutes of Vestry. 

The acc't books of the Church justify a belief that Mr. 
Crannell's estate is considerably indebted to the Corporation, 
and Mr. Crannell Beardsley received a large legacy from that 
estate. 

If therefore the Rev'd Mr. Beardsley should come forward 
with a Spirit of Conciliation, and abandon the Ideas of Suits, 

394 



The Records oj Christ Church 

that Evil Counsellors may have infused into his mind, it is pre- 
sumed that the Vestry would not suffer themselves to be out- 
done in frankness & genorosity. Let him bring forward his 
Vouchers, and where these are wanting give his Statements 
from recollection. A Reasonable accomodation would pro- 
bably be the Result. But if a different course is pursued it is 
easy to foresee the unpleasant consequences that must ensue. 
N.B. Mr. Beardsley and others supposed he was indicted or 
attainted. 

G. Livingston says this is not the fact. 
11 May 1805. 

[Continued: -minutes of May 23, 1805.] 

The Board then proceeded to take the Claims of the Rev'd Mr. 
Beardsley upon this Corporation above referred to, into Consideration, 
when, after a dispationate and candid examination of the same, it was 
Resolved Unanimously 

That, altho we entertain Sentiments of respect and esteem for the 
Rev'd John Beardsley our former Pastor, we are constrained to re- 
.fect the Claims he has made on this Corporation through our 
Committee. The board however are Sincerely disposed to compensate 
him for any monies which may have been paid by him, or advanced out 
of his private property, in the purchase of the farm from Gideon 
Ostrander, or any part of it, for the use of the Church. In which they 
mean not only to be Just but Generous, if that part of his claim is dis- 
posed of without Vexatious and expensive Law suits. They will 
patiently, in the Spirit of concihation, investigate all his other demands, 
and will endeavor to pursue such measures as will free them from cen- 
sure of acting from improper motives by every unprejudiced person. 
Ordered, that the Clerk present a Copy of the above Resolution to the 
Rev'd Mr. Beardsley now in Poughkeepsie, without delay. 

36. Parish Mss., Glebe papers. Section F, No. 30. 

Mr. Beardsley's reply to the above resolution of vestry. 

Addressed, — "The Rev'd Highlander Chase Rector of Christ Church 

Poughkeepsie." 

Your resolution of the twenty second ultimo, respecting 
my claims on the Corporation, I received the day before yes- 
terday at 10 o'clock P. M. by Mr. Badger your Clerk. By 
which it appears 'That the Board are sincerely disposed to 
compensate me for any monies which may have been paid by 

395 



The Records ofChrlist C hu r c h 

me or advanced out of my private property in the purchase of 
the farm from Gideon Ostrander or any part of it.' 

The monies that I paid out of my private property was five 
hundred dollars. The interest on that sum from the thir- 
teenth of December in the year 1777, when I left and when the 
Church took possession, would at this time amount to $959 . 00. 
I will now release all my right in the said land if the Board will 
give me $1250.00, being $209.00 less than the legal interest; 
meaning however to leave the Claims which I have against 
the Board as a subject for future discussion. 

You will perceive from the above offer. Gentlemen, that I 
ask nothing from your generosity. I only wish for Justice, 
and to evince to you that I do not desire Vexatious and expen- 
sive Law suits,' I will accept less than my right. 

You are not however to consider me as boimd by this prop- 
osition hereafter, in Case it should now be rejected, and your 
explicit answer to this proposition is requested as soon as possi- 
ble. 

[Editor's note: — The signature to this paper has 
been cut away apparently for an autograph.] 

37. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section-^F, No.f23. 

Letter, addressed to "Randall S. Street Esqr or to the Church 
wardens of Christ Church Poughkeepsie." 

Poughkeepsie 13th June 1805. 
Gentlemen, 

It is more than a month since I wrote and requested to know 
what the Vestry had done with respect to the papers I gave in 
when we met at Mr. Emott's. 

The reason of this delay is to me unaccountable! 
I hope, however, to hear from you, and that soon, as sus- 
pense in the Business depending is painful. 

Unless I am gratifyd by your answer, I must proceed in 
future as my Counsel may direct me. 
I am Gentlemen your humble 
Servant 

John Beardsley. 

To the Conamittee of the Corporation of Christ 
Church at Poughkeepsie. 

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The Records ofChrist Church 

38. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 270. 

1805, June 20, Letter read to the vestry from Mr. Beardsley. 
Resolved unanimously that the board cannot agree to the demands 
of Mr. Beardsley as mentioned in the above Letter. 
Resolved that the Clerk of this board communicate the above 
Resolution to Mr, Beardsley immediately. 

39. Parish Mss. Glebe papers. Section F, No. 24. 

Poughkeepsie 29th June 1805. 
Mr. Beardsley 

presents his Compliments to the Corporation of the Rector 
and inhabitants of Poughkeepsie in Communion with (the) 
Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New York, and 
proposes, by way of Accomodation, reserving to himself all 
his legal and equitable Rights in case the corporation does not 
ratify the proposals, herein after mentioned, by the first day of 
August next. 

1 John Beardsley agrees to Release all Demands against 
the said corporation, both in law and equity, and to Execute 
a Release and quit claim to the said Corporation of one moiety 
of the Lands now in the Occupation of James Moore on the 
following conditions — 

2 Mr. Beardsley to make an equal division of the said 
land, respect being had unto Quality as well as Quantity, the 
Corporation to have the choice of the lotts or visa versa — 

3 The expense of the Survey and conveyance to be paid 
equally by the parties — 

4 James Moore to have the liberty of taking of the hay 
and crop now on the ground, but he is not to commit waste 
or remove any of the fences. 

John Beardsley. 

40. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 272. 

1805, July 1, [the above proposition by Mr. Beardsley was presented 
to the vestry by John Davis, warden.] 

On motion made and seconded, — Resolved that the aforesaid pro- 
positions be accepted, provided that, if at any time hereafter, the heirs 
of Hendrick Ostrom deceased, or any of them, should recover any Sum 
or Sums of money from this Corporation, on Account of any Legal 
Licumbrance, if any such does exist on the farm purchased from Gideon 
Ostrander, of which the Lands in Question constitute a part, then the 

397 



The Records of Christ Church 

said John Beardsley or his legal representatives, shall be liable to pay 
one half of such costs, or expenses, be the same more or less. 
This Corporation farther declares, — That, they absolutely deny that 
he the said John Beardsley has any right. Title, or demand to the 
Lands purchased from said Gideon Ostrander, or any part thereof, 
either in Law or Equity; Neither has he, the said John Beardsley, any 
other demand whatsoever against this Corporation; But, that any 
Lands, that may be Quitclaimed to the said John Beardsley, is con- 
sidered as a donation, and Testimony of our good will and affection 
towards him. 

Resolved, that, William Emott, Robert Noxon, and Ebenezer Badger 
be a Committee to carry the above resolution into effect within the 
limited time, if John Beardsley agree to the same. 

41. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 25. 

1805, July 10, Origmal contract between Mr. Beardsley and the com- 
mittee of vestry, agreeing to a division of the land. 

42. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 26. 

1805, July 24, original quit-claim deed from the Rev. John 
Beardsley for twelve acres of land. 

43. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 27. 

1805, July 24, original release from the Rev. John Beardsley of all 
his claims. 

44. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 28, 

1805, July 24, Map of the division of the land. Twelve acres to the 
east belonging to the Church; fourteen acres to the west belonging 
to Mr. Beardsley. 

45. Parish Mss., Glebe papers, Section F, No. 29. 

1805, July 24, receipted bill for the expenses of the settlement. David 
Brooks charged $14.00 for "surveying, calculating, plotting, and 
dividing the lot of land; 2 deeds & acknowledgements; 2 Gen'l Re- 
leases & ackts." 
Garritt B. Van Ness charged $2.50 "for the articles of agreement." 



398 



The Records of Christ Church 

CORRESPONDENCE, PROCEEDINGS, ETC., IN THE CALL 

TO THE RECTORSHIP EXTENDED TO THE 

REV. HENRY VAN DYCK 

1, Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 55. 

1784; Mr. Henry Vandyck, a Candidate for Holy Orders, attended at 
Poughkeepsie, where he preformed Divine Service in Christ Church on 
the 20th and 24 of June 1784. The congregation desired their Vestry 
to adopt such Measures in Conjunction with their bretheren of Trinity 
Church at Fishkill as may be proper for Settelment of said Mr. 
Vandyck. 

Vestry conceiving Mr. Vandyck to be a Gentelman whose Qualifyca- 
tions render him a fit person for the promotion of Religion among us, 
and regretting the neglected Scituation of the Church, which, thro the 
Distressing period this Country has Experienced of a Long & Bloody 
war, has been Destitute of a Clergyman for almost eight years, — 
These motives induced them to Exert themselves in setting on foot ^ 
subscription in favour of Mr. Vandyck — and Ordering their Secretary 
to write the following letter to the Church at FishkUl : 

Poughkeepsie 26 June 1784. 
Gentelmen 

We once more Address you as Bretheren, professors of the 
Same Faith, that you will join with us in Support of that Gos- 
pel whose doctrines are peace and Love. 

This congregation have entered most heartily into the De- 
sign of Setteling Mr. Vandyck among us. And tho we are but 
few in Number and far from being Wealthy, yet, with the kind 
assistance of our Neighbors of other Denominations who ad- 
mire his preformances, have got Subscribed for his annual 
Salary fifty pounds. Provided we give him a Call. This, we 
suppose, with one half of Old Glebe, will be a Sufficient in- 
ducement to him for the half of his services. 

It now remains with your peopel to make the like exertions 
to put your Church upon a Respectable footing. It's Exist- 
ence seems to depend upon it. 

We were much disconcerted at your Not attending here last 
Thursday at the proposed Conference. 

Whatever might have been your Reasons, If you hold the 
Intrest of religeon dear, or Wish to be instrumental in 
promoting it, fail not in Setting the matter on Foot. 

We shall wait a fortnight For your final Determination. 
Should it prove unfavorable, or no answer be returned, we 

399 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Shall be under the Disagreeable alternative of keeping our 
Church doors shut, or of Becoming connected with some other 
Congregation. 

If, therefore, a temporary Connection should be formed, 
that may eventually be injurious to you, we call the World 
to witness that Nothing but the most Absolute necessity Shall 
ever induce us to adopt the Measure. 

May heaven avert every Impediment to oiir Union and the 
wide Extention of the Christian faith, is the fervent wish of the 
Bretheren here. I am with due respect. 
Yours 

Signed by order of the Vestry 
William Emott Secretary. 

The foregoing letter remained unanswered, &, on Sunday the 1st of 
August, Mr. Vandyck paid us another visit at our request. This day 
he preformed Service in the Church. Major Daniel Ter Bos, Mr. John 
Halstead, Mr. John Cook, & Mr. Jonas Halstead attended from Fish- 
kills. We held a Consultation, the result of which was — First, an 
invitation to Mr. Vandyck desireing his attendance at their Church on 
Sunday next, which he accepted. Secondly, that a number of us 
would come down likewise, at which time they would Collect the Sense 
of their Congregation, whether they were in Ability and Disposition 
to join us in Setteling Mr. Vandyck. 

2. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 56. 

1784, Aug. 3, Isaac Baldin, Richard Davis, Thomas Poole, William 
Emott, and Isaac Baldin Jr., appointed a committee to go to Fishkill 
the following Sunday, and arrange with the vestry there for the settle- 
ment of Mr. VanDyck. 

3. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 57. 

1784, Aug. 14, The committee appointed to wait on Fishkill Vestry 
Report to this Board that they entered upon a Conference with Major 
Daniel Ter Bos, Mr. Jonas Halstead, Mr. John Halstead, Mr. John 
Cook, & Mr. Pine at Fishkill on 8 Aug't 1784, when it was Mutually 
agreed on behalf of the two Congregations that Mr. Henry Vandyck, 
whenever he shall receive Episcopal Ordination, — (provided such 
Ordination does take place within a Reasonable term of time), — be 
received as Minister to the two Churches, to Preach at Poughkeepsie 
Two thirds of the Year & Fishkill the other third. 

400 



The Records of Christ Church 

4. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 58. 

1784, Oct. 4, The Committee of the 3d & 14th August again met the 
Fishkill Gentelmen, Viz; Mr. Southerd, Mr. Pine, Major Ter Bos, 
Mr. John Halstead, Mr. Cook, Mr. Jonas Halstead & Others. At the 
house of Major Ter Bos; Mr. Vandyck also attended the meeting. 
[The agreement of August 8th was ratified; and, further, it was agreed 
that the congregation at Poughkeepsie should pay Mr. Vandyck £80 
per annum, part in cash and the residue in firewood.] The Glebe, as 
purchased by the two Congregations, with a gore of land since annexed 
to it, one moiety thereof pertaining to this Corporation, they do also 
give him the full enjoyment & Possession of for his own Emolument, so 
long as he Shall Remain their Teacher. The above recited Gentelmen 
of Fishkill did also engage the sum of £40 annually & their part of 
the Glebe, for one third of his Yearly services. 

5. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 63. 

1785, March 29, [voted to pay the sexton for his services] on every 
Sunday and holy day that Mr. Vandyck has preformed Divine Service 
at this Church. 

6. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 64. 

1785, May 27, The first matter that was attended to at this meeting 
was a Letter from Mr. Vandyck; the following is a true Copy: 

Stratford, May 23d, 1785. 
Gentelmen, 

The Rev'd Mr. Leaming of Stratford informs me that it is 
absolutely necessary I should have a title or Call to the 
Churches of Poughkeepsie & Fishkill taken from your Records, 
with the agreement made for Salary & the use of the Parsonage 
property, authenticated under the Seal of the Corporation & 
signed by the Secretary. 

It will also be expedient that you Address the Clergy of this 
State, directed to the Rev'd Mr. Leaming, president of that 
Venerable board. Requesting their attention to me with a De- 
sire of my being ordained to the Charge of the Church. 

I beg these matters may be forwarded to me with all possible 
dispatch, by the way of New York, covered to the care of Mr. 
Prosper Wetmore, first clerk in the General Post Ofiice in the 
City of New York, who will see the same forwarded to me in 
Stratford immediately. 

Bishop Seabury is safe arrived in Nova Scotia and may 
Momently be expected here. Oiu* Ordinations will take place 

401 



The Records ofChrist Church 

iimnediately on his arrival, for which we are making all possi- 
ble preparations, after which we Shall repair to our Several 
congregations as soon as we can. 

I wish my papers may be forwarded from Poughkeepsie on 
Saturday next at furthest. 

With due Esteem I am Gentlemen your most humble Serv't 
Henry Vandyck. 
The Church wardens & 
Vestry Christ Chiu-ch 
Poughkeepsie. 

It was the imanimous opinion of this Board that the requests in the 
above letter be complyed with. Upon which the Secretary was 
Ordered to make out a Call. 

[Copy of the call appended; rehearses the terms of the agreement of 
Oct. 4, 1784, adds proviso that ordination shall take place before 
October 1785, and arranges that Mr. Van Dyck officiate at Pough- 
keepsie every first and second Sundays, at Fishkill every third.] 
A Letter was also Addressed to the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut 
desireing Mr. Henry Vandyck may receive Ordination for this Church. 

7. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 68. 

1785, June 29, Mr. Vandyck informed Vestry his ordination had not 
yet taken place on account of the Bishop nonarrival. And, further, 
that was he in Orders, his circumstances were such that it was out of 
his power to remove among us with his family without our aid. 

The Vestry being impatient of the many Delays of Mr. Vandyck as 
to his removal here, with whom they have been agreeing for upward of 
a year past; the more so as, in December last, he engaged to bring up 
his family the latter end of April or beginning of May past, whether 
in Orders or not; 

Whereupon, Mr. Richard Davis, in order to enable Mr. Van- 
dyck to remove immediately, generously offered to send Cap't Smith 
with his Sloop to fetch his family & Effects, the payment of freight 
to be def ered for one or two Years as might be most convenient for Mr. 
Vandyck. 

Upon this, another objection was raised by Mr. Vandyck, without 
giving an Answer to Mr. Davis's proposal, whether he would or would 
not accept the Offer. He told us frankly that we must not Expect 
him till after his ordination. 

This declaration Occasioned those uneasy Sensations in the minds of 
the Vestry, that a State of suspense begets in Ingenious minds, when 

402 



The Records of Christ Church 

the object of their pursuit is Snatched from their grasp and placed in a 
Scituation possibly never to be obtained. 

Vestry, however, in this dilemma determined nothing should be 
wanting on their part, 

Mr. Vandyck, who had repeatedly Eequested to be paid for his past 
Services Since last November (tho it was A departure from our 
Agreement, which makes the Payment amiual, & of Course not collect- 
able before), was asked for his account, which he rendered us. 

Ways and means were taken mto Consideration, how to raise mon- 
eys to discharge it without callmg upon the Subscribers at large, least 
such a Measure might bring Both him and us into Contempt, to the 
great detriment of the Church. 



8. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 69 
etary read 

Poughkeepsie, June 30th, 1785 



1785, July 4, the Secretary read the foUowing address handed him 
from Mr. Vandyck: 



Gentelmen, 

I have duly considered your proposal of Yesterday in Conse- 
quence of my acc't dehvered for past services in the church, 
and cannot conceive how I can with propriety accept it, with- 
out doing Manifest mjustice to the Fishkill congregation, who 
have generously paid me, without any conditions, my full 
dues accordmg to the proportion of Sundays they have Re- 
ceived the advantage of since November last,&, for which, 
they have my receipt in full for all past services in their Con- 
gregation. I must therefore leave it to your own generosity 
to act with me as you shall thmk proper on the Occasion. 

I wish I could see my way clear at this Juncture to gratify 
your request of an immediate removal with my family before 
I am m Orders to the charge of the Church in this town. 

A practice of this nature is altogether unusual in our Church, 
of which, indeed, with the greatest propriety, you appear from 
the letter of your call, to be fully sensible of, by fixing, as the 
express condition of my being accepted mto the Rectorship of 
this Church, my producing to your Corporation the necessary 
Testunonials of my being Legally ordained by the Bishop, 
and also that such Ordination must take place by the month 
of October 1785, in order to be bmding for the payment of 
Salary with the use of the land. 

So, that clearly I cannot enjoy the one nor the Other with 

403 



The Records ofChrist Church 

propriety until my Ordination is confirmed to this Corpora- 
tion under the usual signature of the Bishop. 

Your attention to the true Interest of the Church, from 
these necessary Precautions, as explained by you Yesterday, 
is obvious and merits the Approbation of every good man who 
wishes to see the Episcopal Church in this Country estabUshed 
by a regular discipline, which in her present Scituation is 
Absolutely expedient to prevent all Irregularities, and which 
cannot take place unless her Clergy are thus supported by the 
professors of the Church in this necessary' work. 

Again, my immediate removal with my Family before Or- 
dination, reduces me to the Scituation of being without the 
direction & control of the Clergy in Cormecticut, who, from 
their long knowledge of my Character, must be supposed to be 
the only proper Judges of my Merits as a Candidate for the 
Sacred ministry, &, of course, the only proper persons to whom 
I can Apply for a recommendation to the Bishop for Holy Or- 
ders. 

Upon the whole, therefore, I must think that a conduct of 
this kind in me, however pleasing otherways in prospect, 
would be attended with Consequences that might be esteemed 
prejudicial to the Established order of the Episcopal Church, 
and also greatly embarass me with the Bishop, who most 
assuredly will pay a particular attention to All irregularitys in 
any of the Candidates, let their other Qualifications be ever so 
great. 

I have reduced these reflections to writing to prevent all 
misunderstandings and unnecessary altercations in the 
Episcopal Church here, which has hitherto produced too un- 
charitable Jealousies and Uncandid animadvertions. 

I am Gentelmen with due Esteem 

Your most humble Serv't 
Henry Vandyck. 

To the Church wardens 

& 
Vestry men of Christ Church 
Poughkeepsie. 

Vestry, after duly attending the merits of the foregoing address, ordered 
their sentiments to be Conmiitted to writing, of which what follows is a 
faithfull Copy: 

404 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Poughkeepsie July 4 th, 1785. 
Sir 

The treasurer stands ready to pay what money we have 
been able to collect for your past Services. Your acc't, de- 
livered in, will be considered of at some future Vestry. 

We are sorry that you cannot be prevailed upon to remove 
your family here immediately. We are still of opinion that the 
interest of the Church, as well as your own, would receive the 
highest advantage by facilitating this measure. 

And we regret to declare, tho in the language of friends, 
that your Address does not carry Conviction with it as to the 
inexpediency of your Settelment here before your being in 
Orders. 

We lament any Jealousys that may exist, which must cease 
when the grounds are done away. Conscious of the Rectitude 
of our Intentions, we profess our aim is how best to promote 
your Intrest & that of the Church. And which we conceive 
to be clearly proved by the great earnestness manifested of 
your Inmiediate settelment here. As to any temporary visi- 
tations, they must be Expensive to you without any Valuable 
1 consequences to us. This being the case, we expect your next 
appearance among us will be with your family, which will 
effectually cure every Discordant suspicion and open a Scene 
of lasting tranquility. 

Upon the whole, these being our desires. We would recom- 
mend that you reconsider matters here, and, after your return 
home, to meet our wishes & afford us the Oppertunity of Con- 
gratulating your arrival amongs us. May you & we have 
abundant reason to thank God for the Event is the Devout 
wish of your Sincere friends & Serv'ts 

Robert Noxon Richard Davis 

To Mr. Isaac Baldin Jr. William Emott 

Henry Vandyck James Pritchard Ebenezer Badger 

Henry Mott 

N.B. 

Vestry, upon mature deliberation, consent to your waiting 
six weeks for Ordination. After which period they Expect 
your immediate Removal. 

The above paper being prepared, Mr. Vandyck was invited in & pre- 
sented with it. His reply was that he would take it under Considera- 
tion. That he should return home on the morrow, previous to which 

405 



The Records of Christ Church 

he desired to be furnished with money. Upon which the board Or- 
dered their treasurer to Advance him £14 . 10 . for past Services since 
Nov'r ,wliich, added to £9.0.0 aheady paid, amounts to £23.10.0. 

9. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 72. 

1785, Aug. 16, the Secretary laid before Vestry the following Letter 

from Mr. Vandyck: 

New Hackensack, Aug'st 16th 1785. 
Sir 

The scituation of my own affairs & that of my family are 
such as that I cannot comply with the Order of the Vestry of 
Christ Church in Poughkeepsie, of the first of July last, for an 
immediate removal of myself and family after the expiration of 
six weeks from that date. 

As I engaged with the Church at Fishkill to come up and 
make them a Visit immediately upon my receiving Holy Or- 
ders, I have accordingly been with them on Sunday last. But, 
as in the letter to me of the first of July the Vestry of your 
Church consider any visitations of this kind useless, I have, in 
consequence, given no notice that I should be with you. 
Notwithstanding, if they wish to have my Services on Sunday 
next, and they wiU give the necessary notice thereof, with 
Request to me on the Occasion, the Lord willing I shall be rea- 
dy to serve them. 

Should an event of this kind take place it may not be amiss 
to inform all who have children to Baptize that, if their parents 
will bring them into the Church, they will receive the Adminis- 
tration of that holy Ordinance. The enclosed I beg you will 
forward to Isaac Baldin Jun'r as soon as may be, provided the 
Church think proper to have me come to Poughkeepsie on 
Sunday next, as it concerns the Baptizing of Children in that 
quarter also. 

You will please to make my best wishes acceptable to the 
Church for their present prosperity and felicity, and beheve 
me to be — Sir your most humble servant — 
Henry Vandyck. 

Mr. William Emott 
secretary to the Corporation 
of Christ Church Poughkeepsie. 

Vestry, after weighing the contents of the Above letter, ordered the 
following one to be sent in answer to it : 

406 



The Records of Christ Church 

Poughkeepsie 16 Aug'st 1785, 
Rev'd Sir 

Yours per Doct'r Ball has come to hand, which I have laid 
before Vestry, who take the earliest Oppertunity to Con- 
gratulate you upon your Ordination. 

You take occasion to say, if they wish to have your services 
on Sunday next &c. This, to us, seems to be speaking in a dis- 
tant Language to a Congregation from whom you have ac- 
cepted a Call, and who have long been anciously waiting for 
your Arrival. 

If you have not complyed with our Request in your Re- 
moval, ought you not to call upon us to let us know your 
reasons.? You must entertain a strange Idea of us to require 
an invitation to preach in your own Church! The plain mat- 
ter is, if you do not attend here on Sunday next we shall 
Conceive ourselves neglected. And, further, we mean to 
perform our Engagements and expect you will do the same. 

The Congregation will be notifyed. and the Letter forwarded 
to Mr. Baldin. 

I am. Sir, with due respect, your humble Serv't 
By order of Vestry 

WilHam Emott. 
Rev'd Henry Vandyck 

New Hackensack. 

10. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 73. 

1785, Aug. 22, Vestry being mett desired Mr. Vandyck to walk into 

the room and inform them what business he had to lay before them. 

[Mr. Van Dyck presented his propositions in writing, in four articles 
which, in brief, were as follows : — 

Will vestry adjust accounts with the Fishkill congregation respecting 
old and new glebe, by an arbitration; 

Will vestry join with the Fishkill congregation in repairing the glebe- 
house and fencing the old glebe, "so as to make the one tenantable, 
and the other usefull." 

Will vestry enter into such an engagement with Mr. VanDyck as 
will secure the payment of his salary by their successors, as well as 
themselves; 

Will vestry give £20.0.0 to the support of the Bishop? 

Vestry resolved, in respect to the first article concerning Fishkill, 
that: — ] we always have and still stand ready to settell with them 

407 



The Records ofChrist Church 

Amicably upon terms of Justice and Equity, whenever thej' make 
the application. 

[The subsequent articles vestry considered were "out of the question," 
for the following reasons : — A final contract was entered into with Mr. 
Vandyck long since; said contract was approved by both parties to 
it, and duly recorded (see No. 6, preceding); as proof of Mr. Van- 
dyck's recognition of this contract, the treasurer produced his receipt, 
dated Poughkeepsie Nov. 24, 1784, for "the sum of £4.0.0, on agree- 
ment of the yearly salary commencing the 14th day of Nov. 1784."] 

These schetches, and our former transactions as far back as June 
20th, 1784, Plainly prove that the Obligations between us are mutual, 
final and decisive, which, if either of the parties Seek to violate they 
must incur the Guilt of Breach of Contract, honour and good faith, 
thus religiously pledged. 

Mr. Vandyck, notwithstanding all our Arguments, positively assert- 
ed that he did not Consider Himself bound by any former agreements. 
The Question was then put to him whether he meant a removal among 
us. 

His Answer was that he owed Canonical obedience to his Bishop, 
whom he should Consult on the Occasion. Whereupon he withdrew. 

This kind of Conduct was considered by the vestry as Equivocal. 
Resolved, by this Corporation in Vestry assembled, that Mr. Vandyck's 
appeal to the Bishop makes it necessary, for the vindication of the 
congregation we Represent, to transmitt to the Venerable Bishop an 
Account of our proceedings, to be by him committed to the worthy 
Clergy over whom he presides (whose warm wishes we would study 
to preserve), to Coimteract any Unfavorable representations which 
Mr. Vandyck may make against us, in Justification of his reprehensible 
Conduct toward us. 

Vestry then unanimously agreed to meet at the house of Mr. Richard 
Davis on Saturday next for the dispatch of this Business and ad- 
journed. 

11, Vestry Minvies, Vol. 1, p. 76. 

1785, Aug. 24, Mr. Vandyck called upon Mr. Badger and Mr. 
Pritchard. He desired them to inform the vestry that their non-com- 
plyance with his proposals of the 22d Instant would not retard his 
coming to Settel here. It was his wish that all misunderstanding be- 
tween us might be buried in Oblivion. He proposed mutua 1 conces- 
sions. And declared his intention of an immediate removal with his 
family, as soon as he effected the Settelment of some important private 
business between himself & Mr. Arden of New York. 

408 



The Records of Christ Church 

The 27th Vestry met, and, upon the above report laid aside their 
design of addressing the Bishop. 

They can't make concessions, being conscientiously of opinion they 
have not Erred. 

If Mr. Vandyck removes hither, he will be cordially received agree- 
able to the letter of the Call. 

12. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 77. 

The following letter was Received from Mr. Vandyck. 

[Copy entered in Vestry Minutes. Original letter on file, Parish Mss., 
Van Dyck papers, No. 4.] 

New Hackensack 

Sept'r 28th, 1785. 
Gentlemen 

I have the pleasure to inform you that on Friday the 
16th Instant I was admitted into Priests' Orders over the 
Churches of Fishkill & Poughkeepsie. The Titles from both 
Churches were presented to Bishop Seabury and he was 
pleased to accept of them and they are now in his Possession. 
I lament the delicacy of my situation with regard to the 
Trespass Act in your State, which I am afraid will prevent my 
comeing to my Pastoral charge as early as I could wish. 

I am at present only a bird of passage here, and must return 
tomorrow from hence by 12 o'clock at noon. I therefore re- 
quest to see your Vestry, or a committee from that Body, 
before my return to Connecticut, at the house of Mr. John 
Cooke, as it is not judged prudent for me to go to Poughkeep- 
sie. The necessity of this interview you must be convinced 
of and I shall expect to see you by nine o'clock tomorrow 
morning at farthest. I should be glad of your answer by the 
return of the bearer. 
I am Gentlemen 
The Vestry-men of Your most hum'l Servt 

Poughkeepsie Church. Henry Vandyck. 

Mr. James Pritchard waited on Mr. Vandyck by the appointment of 
Vestry at Mr. Cooke's. 

13. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 77. 

A letter from Mr. Vandyck dated Fishkill 31 Octr 1785. 

[Copy entered in Vestry Minutes. Original letter on file, Parish Mss., 
Van Dyck papers. No. 5.] 

409 



The Records of Christ Church 

Fishkill October 31st 1785 
Gentlemen 

I am exceedingly sorry that the weather was such yesterday 
that you could not attend Church here, as from the assuran- 
ces of Major Bush I had reason to expect you. 

The unhappy situation I am in, with respect to Mr. Arden's 
demand, you are not unacquainted with, as you have seen Mr. 
Verplanck's letter to me on the subject. 

As both Congregations look upon it as only personal, and 
conceive their circumstances to be such as that they cannot, 
by any means, afford me the least aid in order to enable me to 
come among them, I cannot but lament the unfavorable pros- 
pect of my setling with you. 

An attempt however is concluded to be made with Mr. 
Arden once more, in hopes that, from the improbability of his 
obtaining any advantage, he may be induced to accept of more 
moderate terms: but I confess my hopes are small, as, from 
Mr. Verplanck's letter he seems determined. 

Should this unfortunately be the case it will be necessary for 
you to make choice of some other Gentleman to officiate in 
your Churches, as it will be altogether impossible for me to 
comply with your desires. 

I presume you are not unacquainted with the conditions 
upon which Mr. John Le Roy took the Glebe from me, as it 
was reduced to writing, and, if I mistake not, lodged even- 
tually in the hands of Mr. Emott. 

You will therefore take charge of the neat produce of the 
farm, according to that stipulation, to your own advantage as 
well as for the Fishkill Church; and should you think proper 
to require anything further from me, in compensation for the 
vacancy of the House during the Summer season, I will en- 
deavor, upon the first notice to make you recompence as soon 
as I shall be able. 

These Observations I have made, should I not be able to 
come to you, which nothing would have prevented but this 
rigid and unjust demand. 

Commending you & yours with All the Church to God's 
Love and Grace 

lam 

Gentlemen 

Your most hum'I Servt 
Henry Vandyck." 

410 



The Records oj Christ Church 

14. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 78. 

Another letter from Rev'd Henry Vandyck bearing date 16 Nov'r 

1785 at Stratford. 

[Copy entered in Vestry Minutes. Original letter on file, Parish 
Mss., Van Dyek papers. No. 6.] 

Stratford Nov'r 16th 1785. 
Grentlemen 

Immediately on my return from Fishkill I wrote Mr. Joseph 
Stringham, one of the gentlemen employed to negotiate with 
Mr. Axden, and informed him of the instructions given to Mr. 
Mesier. 

I however made one offer more, which was a complyance 
of his proposal by Mr. Verplanck of £125 — as to the sum in the 
following manner, viz. £50 in one year, £50 in two years, and 
the £25 in the third year, and to find him security for the per- 
formance, which I really thought he would have accepted. 

To my great surprise however, I received for answer that he 
insisted on £25 being paid down, £50 the first day of April 
next, and £50 in one year from that period with security for 
the payment. 

This it was out of my power to comply with, as it would be 
impossible for me to raise the £75 at the two periods proposed. 

My feelings are not to be expressed. Resignation is my 
duty; for doubtless there is wisdom in the Permission — God 
knows what is best both for you and me — let us not faint under 
his rebuke. 

It will now be necessary for you to look out for a Pastor who 
may supply your Church, as I cannot think of going to you 
with a Family of small Children under this heavy load of Debt. 

I pray my God to give you a right understanding in all 
things. To His Grace I commend you, which will be suflScient 
for you if you rightly improve it. My best love and Blessing 
ever attend you. 

Farewell 

Henry Vandyck. 

16. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 81. 

Rev'd Henry Vandyck's Letter dated at Bulls works 9 Febr 1786. 

Gentlemen 

I am now come on thus far with a Friend of mine, Mr. 
Andrew Hurd, who passes through your town. 

411 



The Records oj Chr i si Church 

By him, I wish to communicate to you that I have been in 
New York, since I was with you last, m order to negotiate 
with Mr. Arden, and I am sorry to tell you that my journey 
was ineffectual as to its intentions with him. 

The result however of the whole proceedings I have with me, 
that passed between us, and I wish to lay them before you. I 
must therefore beg you will appoint a Committee of one or more 
from yoiu- body to meet me at the house of the Widow Beach, 
at this place, on Monday next, or Tuesday evening at furth- 
est, that we may finally fix whether I am to be with you or not. 

It is a matter of consequence with me that this affair should 
be settled between us without any longer delays. If, there- 
fore, I should hear nothing from you by the time I have 
fixed, I shall immediately return home and look upon myself 
at liberty to engage with any other Congregation that shall 
offer. 

If you have been favored with any informations from Mr. 
Arden since I left New York, by Mr. Benson or any other per- 
son, I request you will bring it with you. 

I could wish to be with you at this time in person, but my 
confidence in Mr. Arden's integrity is so small that I cannot 
think of adventuring into your State as yet; for which reason 
I have appointed a meeting at this place, as convenient to you 
as possible ,being only 28 miles from you by the way of Coll 
VanderBurgh's. 

I desire you will, if possible, inform the Fishkill congregation 
of this interview; although I am fully of opinion that a Com- 
mittee from you will answer every purpose. 

With due regard I am, gentlemen. 

Your humble Servant 
Henry Vandyck. 

The Church Wardens &c 
Poughkeepsie Church. 

The above letter came to hand Satiu-day the 11 Febr 1786, and was 

communicated by Mr. Emott to Richard Davis Senr, Richard Davis 

Jimr, Melancthon L. Woolsey, James Pritchard, Robert Noxon, 

Henry Mott and Ebenezer Badger, members of Vestry. 

They all declined attending the interview Proposed by Mr. Vandyck, 

the most distant prospect of his Becoming our Clergyman being 

Vanished. 

412 



The Records ojChrist Church 

16. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 82. 

1786, Mch. 16, Ordered, that Richard Davis, Daniel Lefferts, & Isaac 
Baldin jimr be a Committee to rent the parsonage for ensuing year. 
And likewise to dispose of the hay and grain which were produced on 
the Glebe last year intended for Rev'd Henry Vandyck. Resolved, 
that the Rev'd Henry Vandyck's not Complying with the Conditions 
of the Call renders it Void. 

17. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 84. 

1786, April 18, Ordered, that James Pritchard be furnished with 
acc'ts of . . . such persons who are in arear for one third of a year's 
Salary towards Mr. Vandyck; which he is to Collect. 

18. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 87. 

1786, Oct'r, The Rev'd George Wright came, recommended to us by 

sundrie Gentelmen in New York, and performed Divine service here 

much to the Satisfaction of our Congregation. 

Whereupon the Vestry ordered their Secretary to write to the church of 

Fishkill desireing their Concurrence in the settelment of Mr. Wright 

as Clergyman of the United Episcopal chiu-ches of Poughkeepsie and 

Fishkill. 

19. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 87. 

1786, Nov. 21, A special meeting of vestry. 

Attended also Mr. John Cooke and Doct'r Cooper, being a Committee 
appointed by the Trustees of Trinity Church at Fishkill. 
They informed us that our letter had been received by their church, 
who had Ordered them to signify to us that they wish to Settel Mr, 
Vandyck as our Minister, in preference to Mr. Wright. They also laid 
before Vestry letters from Mr. Vandyck, in which he offers to come to 
the Churches, and that all former misunderstandings may be buried in 
Oblivion on all hands. 

The question was then asked Mr. Cooke, what would be the conse- 
quence of a refusal to settel Mr. Vandyck on our parts. 
He replyed. That their church were resolved to call Mr. Vandyck, and 
that it was their sincere wish that we would join with them, in prefer- 
ence to any other congregation; but, should we decline, they meant 
to embrace a proposal held out to them by the Episcopal church a* 
Peekskill, who also wished to settel Mr. Vandyck. Upon motion 
made, it was resolved to determine the matter by ballot. The ballot's 
being taken and counted the votes were as follows 

Ayes-six 

Noes — two 

413 



The Records of Christ Church 

The question being thus determined in the aflM-mative that the Rev'd 
Vandyek be received as Minister of the united Episcopal churches, a 
letter was then wrote to convey him the information, in the words 
following: 

Rev'd Sir 

We hereby inform you that we have agreed to receive you 
for our minister according to our former agreements with you 
— (Except this, — that you are to preform your labours in the 
Ministry equal to both churches, instead of Preforming two 
thirds in Poughkeepsie and one at Fishkill; that you are to 
have the Old glebe, with the gore which lies East of the glebe; 
that the twenty-three acres lying west, & adjoining the glebe, 
you are not to have the use of as not belonting to the glebe) — 
Under these circimastances we wish to have you, and shall most 
cordially receive you, and do Sincerely hope they wiU be 
agreeable to you. 

We expect that whenever you move with your family here, 
that your Salary will commence. 

That we agree to the terms that Mr. Benson has made with 
Mr. Arden. 

With respect to what the legislature may do respecting 
the Repealing the Trespass law, we cannot take upon our- 
selves to determine. That matter we must leave to yourself. 
Only we wish to hear from you Concerning it & when you 
wiU be ready to come here. 
We remain respectfully yours 

John Cooke 
Poughkeepsie 21 Nov'r, 1786 Jeremiah Cooper 

John Davis 
The Rev'd Henry Vandyek Robert Noxon 
Old Milford. Ebenezer Badger 

Henry Mott 
Daniel Smith 
James Pritchard 
Isaac Balding jun'r. 

20. Vestry Minutes, VoL 1, p. 89. 

The following Letter came to hand the latter part of Jan'r. 

[Editor's note: Copy entered in Vestry Minutes. Original letter on 
file, Parish Mss., Van Dyck papers, No. 7. Addressed on the outside 
to "Mr. John Davis, Merch't, Poughkeepsie."] 

414 



The Records of C hr i s t Church 

Milford January 22d 1787 
Gentlemen 

Your esteemed favor of the 21st of November I received the 
15th of December; since which, I have been so unwell, as not 
to be able to give you an answer before this; but thro' Gods 
goodness I hope soon to obtain a permanent state of health. 

I receive your invitation to the cure of your Churches with 
a sincerity equal to your own: and I do most earnestly suppli- 
cate Him, from whom cometh every good and perfect Gift, 
that we may meet in His own good time in Love and peace. 

I observe, although I am to be considered upon the former 
agreement, still there is a meterial difference in the location 
of the Land; I however trust you will do what is right, as 
soon as I can remove with my family among you; which will 
take place as early as possible in the Spring, 

In full confidence of this, I shall rest contented until that 
long wished for event. If my Health permits, the Lord will- 
ing, I fully intend to be with you before Easter so as to set 
things in order before my arrival. 

I have wrote Bishop Seabury on the subject, and also for 
his approbation of the measure; as soon as I receive his answer 
I shall immediately communicate the same to you. 

As to Arden I can say but little as yet, although I am in 
continual expectation of receivmg a new proposal from him, 
upon paying the whole in cash down. A friend of mine in NYork 
thinks for this, he may be reduced to £60,— which I will do. 
At any rate his affair will be no further prevention of my com- 
ing among you, as he cannot recede from his own offer through 
Mr. Benson. 

Begging Gods Blessing may attend you & yours, together 
with all the Bretheren in both congregations, I am, 
Gent'n your Servant 

in Christ Jesus, 

Henry Vandyck, 

To the 

Church wardens & Vestry 

of Christ & Trinity Churches, Poughkeepsie & Fishkill. 

21. Parish Mss., Van Dyck papers. No. 8. 
Original letter from Henry Van Dyck. 
Addressed to "John Cooke Esquire, Fishkill." 

415 



The Records oj Christ Church 

Milford February 15th, 1787. 
My dear Sir, 

I hope you all arrived safe home without any accident, & 
that good Mrs. Cooke received no injury in her health from 
her winter excursion, & found all well home. 

I thank God, my jaundice is now going off fast; but leaves 
me very weak and low; neverthe less (the Lord willing) I hope 
to see you all before Easter Sunday, as I begin to gain my 
health. 

I must hope also, that my Letters arrived at Poughkeepsie 
in season. 

Permit me to ask your kind attention to the Glebe House 
& Land, in consulting with the Vestry of both congregations 
about the repairs of the House, so as that I may enter with 
my Family in some kind of decency; the propriety of which I 
must leave with you and them, together with such addition 
of Land as may enable me to live. 

I presume the House & Land will be free the first of April; 
so that there will be some little time left to admit of repairing 
and cleaning the House, & putting other, like matters, about 
the Garden, in such state as not to be very disadvantageous 
for gardening. 

I fear I shall be troublesome to you; but I know you will 
forgive me upon this occasion. 

I beg to be remembered in Love, in which Mrs. Vandyck 
joins me, by you all; & that you will communicate our warm- 
est affections to both congregations, & Mr. Verplanck in par- 
ticular with the other Gentlemen in both Vestrys. 

Tell Dr. Ball he must forgive me not writing, as I intend he 
shall hear me, & not from me. 

I am with real affection & esteem 
D'Sr. yr. most huml Servt. 

Henry Vandyck. 

21. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 90. 

1787, April 10, [The secretary was ordered] to write immediately to 
the Vestry of Fishkill [asking] their concurrence in letting Rev'd 
Henry Vandyck have, in addition to the Old Glebe (for one year) 
a Certain piece of Land supposed to contain about 50 acres, now in our 
possession. And, also, their approbation concerning the necessary 
repairs of Parsonage for reception of Mr. Vandyck, who intends 
shortly to remove here. 

416 



The Recor d s of C hr i s t Church 

22. Vestry Minutes, Vol. 1, p. 91. 

1787, June 12, Ordered by Vestry that a Record be made in their 
Journals of the time when Rev'd Henry Vandyck became Rector of 
this Church, which took place 27 May 1787, being Whitsunday. 



417 



INDEX 



INDEX TO SUBJECTS 



Academy, Dutchess County, 118, 
143, 141., 275; Poughkeepsie Fe- 
male, 186. 

Altar, Communion Table, the first, 
47, 48, 148; the second, 148; the 
third, 161; the fourth, 177, 222- 
224, 229; the fifth, 229, 251, 252, 
329. 

Altar-rail, see Rail. 

Amenia Union, St. Thomas's 
Church, 217, 289. 

Annandale, St. Stephen's College, 
217. 

Anniversaries: centennial, 213; one 
hundred twenty-fifth, 257; Dr. 
Reed's one hundredth, 169, 260, 
261; Mr. Cornwell's fiftieth, 
206, 207; Dr. Cummins's tenth, 
256, 297. 

Arbitration with Trinity Church, 
Fishkill, 69-74. 

Archdeaconry of Dutchess, 294. 

Assistant Ministers, 166, 298. 

Beardsley, the Rev. John: settle- 
ment with, 123-125; correspon- 
dence with, 362. 

Beekman, first Church at, 17, 19, 20, 
23, 31-33; St. Ann's, 98; St. 
Mary's, 98, 289. 

Bell, the first church, 92, 93, 195; 
the second and third, 195; for the 
Poughkeepsie Court House, 93. 

Bible for reading-desk, the first, 48, 
374; the second, 177; the third 
and fourth, 331. 

Bibliography of parish records, 319. 

Biographies of clergy, 263-300. 

Bishops, consecration of first Amer- 
ican, 67, 68, 76, 79, 80. 

Brasses: Altar-cross, 223, 230; Al- 
tar-desk, 223, 331; alms-basin, 
223, 331; baptismal ewer, 223, 
331; flower-vases, 223, 330; pro- 
cessional cross, 296, 331. 

Broad Churchmanship, 218-222. 

Buckingham, gifts by Mrs. Charles 
H., 260, 335. 

By-laws of vestry, 96. 



Cemetery, plots in Rural, 247, 248. 
Chair, the Bishop's, 329. 
Chairs in chancel, 47, 196. 
Chancel altered, 195-197, 223; chan- 
cel-rail, see Rail. 
Chandeliers, 177. 
Chanting, 199, 200. 
Charter to Christ Church, 35-38. 
Choir, volunteer, 149, 200; quartet, 

200, 314; vested, 250, 314; festi- 
val, 258. 

Choir-stalls, 229, 329. 

Christmas decorations, 97, 150, 192, 

201, 225; Christmas Eve services, 
150, 192, 200; Christmas trees, 
201. 

Church buildings: the first; sub- 
scriptions for, 41-45, 47; erection 
of 33, 49; consecration of, 45, 46; 
furnishings of, 47, 48, 147, 148; 
closed during Revolution, 49; 
pews built, 68. 69; steeple, 94, 95; 
gallery, 125, 126; repaired, 158; 
description of, 146-148, 150; torn 
down, 160; the second; subscrip- 
tion for, 159, 160; erection of. 
158, 160; consecration of, 160, 
161; interior of, 161; chancel al- 
tered, 195-197, 223; sold, 247; 
the third; subscription for, 246; 
erection of, 248; corner-stone, 248; 
consecration of, 249; decoration 
of, 229; repaired, 260. 

Church in the Confederacy, 206, 
291. 

Church-yard, 97, 147, 154, 247. 

Clerks, Choristers, Choirmasters. 
53, 199, 200, 250, 257, 310-314. 

Clergy affiliated with Christ Church 
before ordination, 316-319. 

Cloister, 260. 

College Hill School, 192. 

Common, the, 33, 34, 36-40, 146, 
154. 

Communicants, number of, 83, 84, 
113, 117, 140,258,324. 

Communion, private. 111; weekly 
celebration of, 199; Table, see 
Altar. 



421 



Index to Subjects 



Con6rmation, 82, 117, 323, 324. 

Consecration of first American Bis- 
hops, 67, 68, 76, 79, 80. 

Convention, see Diocesan and Gen- 
eral. 

Convocation of Dutchess, 216. 

Court House, Poughkeepsie, 26, 27, 
93 

Credence-table. 197, 231, 329. 

Curates, 298, 299. 

Diocesan Conventions: the first, 74, 
75; delegates to, 307; held in 
Christ Church, 116, 117. 

Dove, the, 177-179. 189. 

Ecclesiastical furnishings, 47, 48, 
126, 147, 148, 177 189, 195, 197, 
222-226, 229, 251, 329. 

Endowment, need for, 262; rules 
for, 337. 

English burying-ground, 188, 190, 
214, 215, 245, 248; purchase of, 
154-157; subscription for, 156, 
157; interments discontinued, 
157, 248. 

English school, 30, 31. 

Evolution, doctrine of, 219, 220. 

Fishkill Village, 25; see, also. 

Trinity Church. 
Flag-raising, 211, 212; flag and 

staff, gift of, 337. 
Flowers in chancel, 187, 213, 225, 

227. 
Font,"47, 177, 227, 329. 
Funeral of Dr. Reed, 168, 169, 188 

of Dr. Ziegenfuss, 252, 253, 295. 

General Conventions: the first, 75 

delegates to, 315. 
Gifts and Memorials, 47, 48, 177 

181, 182, 196, 223, 226, 229, 231 

237, 250, 254, 258-260, 296, 324- 

337. 
Glebe, subscription for, 14; choice 

of location of, 22-24; purchase of, 

25, 27, 28; tenants of 61, 62; 

trespassers on, 62, 63, 91, 92; 

mortgage on, 85-88; sale of, 88, 

89. 
Glebe-house, erection of, 29-30; 

occupants of, 59, 60, 85, 86, 88, 

89; sale of, 89. 
Gown, the academic, 162, 197. 
Guilds and societies: Boys' League, 

234; Brotherhood of St. Andrew, 



232; Chancel Committee, 225; 
Cadet Corps, 234; Christ Church 
Guild, 227; Daughters of the 
King, 234; Girls' Friendly So- 
ciety, 233; Girls' Guild, 233; 
King's Daughters. 231; Knights 
of Temperance, 231; Ladies' Aid 
Society, 228; Men's League, 241; 
Mothers' Meetings, 235; Paroch- 
ial Visiting Committee, 224; Sew- 
ing School, 240; St. Margaret's 
Guild, 235; Woman's Auxiliary, 
227; Women's Guild, 236; Young 
People's Association, 240; Young 
Women's League, 241. 

Hangings for Altar, desk and pulpit, 

47, 126, 201, 222, 225-227, 229. 
High Churchmanship, 138, 139, 172- 

174. 
Higher Criticism, 219, 220. 
Holy Comforter, Church of the, 186, 

186, 217. 
Hospital, St. Barnabas's, 187. 
House on Market street purchased, 

214 
Hyde Park, St. James's Church, 164. 

Incorporation of the Church of the 
Holy Comforter, Poughkeepsie. 
186, 217; of the Church of the 
Messiah, Rhinebeck, 217; of the 
Church of the Regeneration, Pine 
Plains, 217: of Christ Church, 
Poughkeepsie, 35; of Christ 
Church, Red Hook Village, 217; 
of Grace Church, Millbrook, 217; 
of St. Ann's, Beekman, 98; of St. 
Anna's, Fishkill Landing (now 
St. Luke's, Matteawan), 164; of 
St. James's, Hyde Park, 164; of 
St. Paul's, Tivoli, 164; of St, 
Paul's, Poughkeepsie, 165; of St. 
Paul's, Pleasant Valley, 165; of 
St. Peter's, Lithgow, 111; of St. 
Peter's, Pawlingsville, 165; of St. 
Stephen's College, Annandale. 
217; of St. Thomas's Church, 
Amenia Union, 217; of Trinity 
Church, Fishkill Village, 74; of 
Zion Church, Wappingers Falls, 
164. 
Intoning, 250. 

Jack, the negro, 60, 61. 

Lectern, 227, 329. 
Library, parish, 175, 176. 



422 



Index to Subjects 



Litany-desk, the 6rst, 223; the 

second, 329, 335. 
Lithgow, 111. 288; St. Peter's 

Church of. 111, 289. 
Lot, the twenty-three acre, 28, 39, 

123-125. 
Low Churchmanship, 137, 172, 223, 

224. 

Manchester Mission, 216, 217. 

Matteawan, St. Luke's Church, 164. 

Memorials, see Gifts. 

Millbrook, Grace Church, 217. 

Ministers in Charge, 254, 299, 300. 

Ministry Act of 1693, 6. 

Mission in Dutchess County or- 
ganized. 18-20. 

Mission at Spuyken Kill, 233. 

Missionaries, itinerant diocesan, 82, 
83, 106, 279. 

Missionary to Dutchess County ap- 
pointed, 2. 

Missions, foreign, 137, 174, 179; 
domestic, 174, 179. 

Mortgage, on the glebe, 85-88; on 
South Hamilton street rectory, 
214, 215; on present church 
property, 244, 245. 

Music, development of, 1810-1820, 
149; 1860-1870, 199-204; 1888, 
250; 1900-1910, 257. (See, also. 
Organ, Organist, Choir, Clerks, 
Singing School, Christmas Eve 
services.) 

Name of Corporation of Christ 

Church, 36, 96. 
Negro, Jack the, 60, 61. 
Nine Partners Church, 15, 19, 31-33, 

111. 

Organ, the first, 126-128, 202; the 

second, third and fourth, 202; 

the fifth, 251. 
Organist, 128, 149, 204, 257, 315. 
Organization of the Protestant 

Episcopal Church in the United 

States, 74-76, 78-80. 
Organization of S. P. G. Mission in 

Dutchess County, 18-20. 
Organized parish work, 224-243. 

Parish House, 181. 182, 250. 
Parish Library, 175, 176. 
Parish register, 113, 140. 
Parish School, 180-182. 



Parsonage, purchase of, 100, 103- 

105; sale of, 214. (See, also. 

glebe-house and rectory.) 
Patent, Sanders and Harmense. 33, 

34, 345, 350. 359. 
Pawlingsville, St. Peter's Church. 

165. 
Personnel of the congregation, 84, 

98-102,113-116,130.131 140-144. 

203, 206, 210. 
Pewholders in the first church, 66, 

101, 130, 143; in the second, 208- 

210. 
Pine Plains, Church of the Regen* 

eration, 217. 
Plate, Church, 47, 148, 189, 329. 
Pleasant Valley, St. Paul's Church, 

165, 
Pound, the village, 62. 
Protestant Episcopal Church, or- 
ganization of, 74-76, 78-80. 
Pulpit, the first, 47, 126, 147; the 

second, 161, 189, 195; the third, 

195; the fourth, 329. 

Rail, Altar-, chancel-, 147, 149 
209, 223, 329. 

Reading-desk, 47, 126, 148, 161 
162, 189, 196, 222, 223. (See, 
also, lectern.) 

Rectory on South Hamilton street, 
built, 214; occupants of, 216; 
sold, 215. 

Rectory, Albert Tower, Jr., Memo- 
rial, 259. 

Rectory, see, also, glebe-house and 
parsonage. 

Red Hook Church, in 1788, 97; 
Christ Church, 217. 

Register, parish, 113, 140, 321, 

Reminiscences, by Mr. Henry J. 
Ruggles, 145-150; bv Miss Eliza- 
beth Shepherd, 188-192. 

Reports to the Diocese, 83, 117, 140. 

Reredos, 223. 252. 

Ratable. 223, 225. 

Riverview Military Academy, 192. 

Rood-screen, 229. 329. 

Sale of lots from English burying- 

ground, 214, 215. 
Sanders and Harmense Patent, 33, 

34, 349. 350. 359. 
Scarf, the academic, 198. 
School, the English, 30, 31; the 

Parish, 180-182, 184; the singing, 

149, 200, 312, 313. 



4^3 



Index to Subjects 



Screen in chancel*, 1834-1854, 161, 
162, 195; 1888-1910, 229, 335. 

Seal of Corporation, the first, 95; 
t' e second, 95, 178, 179. 

Secretaries of vestry, 309. 

Sedilia, 329. 

Seminary. Cottage Hill, 187, 201, 
202. 

Sermon, Dr. Reed's, 166-168, 284; 
Dr. Ziegenfuss's, 249; Bishop 
Potter's, 253. 

Services: Mr. Beardsley's .first as 
Re-ctor, 20; Mr. Beardsley's first 
as Rector in Poughkeepsie, 20; 
suspended, 49; under Mr. Chase, 
112, 113; under Dr. Cady, 199; 
under Dr. Cummins, 256. 

Services, special: consecration of 
first church, 45, 46; consecration 
of second church, 160, 161; cor- 
ner-stone of third church, 248; 
consecration of third church, 249; 
flag-raising, 211-212; centennial, 
213; one hundred twenty-fifth 
anniversary, 257; Christmas Eve, 
150, 192, 200; memorial, for La 
Fayette, 162; memorial for Pres- 
ident Harrison, 163; memorial for 
President Lincoln, 213; for men, 
241; Harvest Home, Manger, 
Palm, Ascension, Out-of-door, 
Grand Army, Hudson-Fulton, 
and memorial for President Gar- 
field, 257. 

Sextons, 97, 210, 211, 314. 

Silver, Communion, see Plate. 

Social conditions, 183, 254-256. 

Spuyken Kill Mission. 233. 

Stalls, choir, 229, 329. 

Steeple of first church, 94, 95, 147. 

Stoles, 198, 199, 222. 

St. Barnabas's Hospital, 187. 

St. Paul's Church, Poughkeepsie, 
165. 

Subscriptions: for glebe, 14; for 
first church, 41-45, 47; for Mr. 
Beardsley's salary, 18, 19, 53; 



for Mr. Van Dyck's salary, 65, 66; 
for building pews, 68, 69; for bell, 
92, 93; for steeple, 94, 95; for or- 
gan, 127, 128, 203, 251; for bury- 
ing-ground, 156, 157; for second 
church, 159, 160; for parish li- 
brary, 176; for Sunday School 
room, 193; for third church, 246. 

Sunday School, founded, 152; or- 
ganized, 152, 153; superinten- 
dents of, 153, 194; reminiscences 
of, 188-193; in 1910, 194, 259. 

Surplices, 48, 162, 197. 198. 229. 
368. 374. 

Table, Communion, see Altar. 

Tablets, memorial, 254, 331. 

Tivoli, St. Paul's Church, 163. 164. 

Tories of the congregation, 55-58. 

Tower of third church, 250. 

Treasurers, 310. 

Trinity Church, Fishkill Village, 
building erected, 40; building 
used as hospital, 59; parish in- 
corporated, 74; arbitration with, 
69-74; settlement with, 89, 90; 
separation from, 136, 163; cor- 
respondence with, 340. 

Trinity Church, New York City, 
petitions to, 86-88, 90, 91, 100. 
128, 129; grants from, 100, 103, 
130, 135. 

Van Dyck, correspondence with the 

Rev. Henry, 399. 
Vestments, 48, 162, 197, 198, 222, 

229, 368, 374. 
Vestry during Revolutionary War, 

55, 58. 
Vestrymen 1773-1910, 304. 
Visits of S. P. G. Missionary to 

Dutchess County, 1-11. 

Wappingers Falls, Zion Church, 164. 
Wardens 1773-1910, 304. 
Willoughby monument, 157, 158. 
Windows of third church, 324. 



424 



INDEX TO PERSONS 



Abel, Miss Adele A., Miss J. Grace, 

Mrs. Simon C. 329; Simon C, 

208. 
Adams, John, 80. 
Addison, John, 101. 
Adriance, John P., 246. 
Akin, John, 130. 
Albertson, Otto, 242. 
Alexander, Miss Julia, 229. 
Alger, William B., 353, 357. 
Allen, Joseph E., 203, 208, 306; 

Miss Mary, 208, 223-225, 229, 

331. 
Ailing, Mrs., 228, 229. 
Ames, Henry, 101. 
Andrews, the Rev. Samuel, 13, 267. 
Andrus, Miss Helen J., 203, 315. 
Annin, James, 70, 347, 351. 
Anthes, Miss Alice P., 246. 
Anthon, the Rev. Henry, 98. 
Appleton, Christopher, 176, 306, 

307. 
Armstrong, Abner, 14. 
Arnold, E. C, 176; the Rev. 

Frederick S., 299. 
Ashford, Nathaniel, 69. 
(Astick ?), William, 42. 
Atkins, Annie, 331. 
Auchmuty, the Rev. Samuel, 17, 20. 

Babbitt, the Rev. Dean Richmond, 
317. 

Babcock, the Rev. Dr. Charles H., 
300; Ebenezer, 310, 312. 

Badger, Clarissa, 122; Ebenezer, 
55, 66, 69, 71, 82, 84, 88, 90, 93, 
94, 99, 101, 113, 122, 127, 130, 
169, 303, 304, 307, 309, 347, 351- 
353, 356, 357, 361, 369, 374, 377, 
380, 386, 396, 398, 405, 408, 412, 
414. 

Bahret, Miss Ruth A., 237, 239, 241. 

Bailey, James, 223, 331; John, 4, 6, 
94; Nathan, 84; Theodorus, 69, 
93, 94, 101, 357, 368; William, 
101. 

Baird, George K., 242. 

Baker (Cat.?), 169; Miss Mary, 
229, 233; Mrs. O. D. M., 229; 
Sarah, 169; Stephen, 208; Susan, 



169; Valentine, 66, 69, 93, 100, 
101, 130, 169; Mrs. Valentine, 84. 
Baldin, Balding, Baldwin, Char- 
lotte, 169; Ebenezer, 113, 116, 
130, 305, 309, 386; Isaac, 14, 35, 
41, 53, 55, 66, 69, 84, 93, 94, 101, 

303, 357, 365, 393, 400; Isaac, 
Sr., 101, 304; Isaac, Jr., 36, 41, 
53, 55, 66, 69, 71, 93, 101, 303, 

304, 353, 400, 405-407, 413, 414; 
Isaac I., 156, 160, 169. 193, 208, 
303, 306, 307; Mrs. I. I., 153; 
Richard S., 169; William, 66, 69, 
84, 101; William. Jr., 93. 

Ball, Albert, 208; Fenno D., 246; 

George, 42; Mrs. Susan M., 203, 

229, 246. 
Banks, Mrs. James Lenox, 246. 
Banyar, Goldsboro, 42. 
Barber, William, 93, 94, 101; Mrs. 

William (Ann Crooke), 84, 130. 
Bard, John, 41, 53, 304; John, Jr., 

41,53; Samuel, 42; William, ISO, 

164, 169, 305. 
Barnard, Frederick, 142, 156, 160, 

169; the Hon. Joseph F., 203, 208; 

Miss Margaret, 208. 
Barnes, Barns, John, 41, 53, 66; 

William, 41, 69. 
Barnum, Charles P., 169. 
Barrett, Caroline F., 176; Miss 

Caroline, 246; Miss Louise, 246; 

Thomas, 169; Mrs. Thomas, 170; 

Miss, 208. 
Barroll, Mrs. Henry, 326. 
Bartlett, Mrs. Stanley, 227; Wil- 
liam, 246. 
Baumbusch, Carrie, 331; Michael 

T., 232, 242, 246; Raymond, 242. 
Bayer, Harry, 242; Miss Hilda, 241 ; 

John T., 242; John, 251. 
Bayeux, Beyeaux, Beyux, Henry, 

84; Thomas, 69, 84. 
Bayley, Dr. Guy Carleton, 208, 

325; Richard, 193, 306. 
Beach, the Rev. Abraham, 75. 
Beagle, Elisha, 53. 
Beardsley, Bartholomew Crannell, 

124, 125, 270, 374, 375, 377. 380. 

382, 394; the Rev. John, 13, 14, 



425 



Index to Persons 



16-20, 22-29, 32, 34-40, 42, 45, 48, 
50-53, 58, 59, 62, 64, 70-73, 85, 
92, 98,99, 104, 111, 123-125,213, 
267-269, 321, 341-343, 346, 348- 
350, 352, 359, 362-384, 367, 369- 
375, 377, 379-398; Mrs. John, 48; 
Mrs. John (Sylvia Punderson), 
269; Mrs. John (Gertrude Cran- 
nein, 50, 269; Mrs. John (Anna), 
269; Mrs. John (Mary), 209; 
John Davis, 269. 

Bech, Edward, 208; Mrs. Edward, 
203. 

Beck with, John, 94; Mrs., 84. 

Bedel, John, 266. 

Bedle, Elisha, 66. 

Beekman, Gerard William, 42; 
Henry, 42. 

Belden, William T., 153, 156, 160, 
170, 306, 307. 

Bend, Grove, 42. 

Benjamin, Elijah Park, 176, 306, 
307; Mrs. Elijah Park (Margaret 
Crooke), 177; Jedediah, 170. 

Benson, Egbert, 63, 69, 77, 92, 93, 
96, 101, 271, 360, 412, 414, 415; 
Henry, 101. 

Bergh, Adam, 41. 

Betts, Mrs. William, 228, 229. 

Billings, Andrew, 50, 52, 94, 99, 101, 
113, 122, 130; Mrs. Andrew 
(Cornelia Livingston), 84, 99, 
170. 

Billman, Ralph, 242. 

Blakesley, Blakeslee, Amaziah, 130, 
156, 170, 306, 314. 

Blanchard, James, 203, 208. 

Bleecker, John, 53. 

Blodgett, William, 127, 128, 315. 

Bloom, George, 170. 

Bloomer, Nettie, 331. 

Boardman, Andrew, 208. 

Bock, Harry S., 242, 257, 315; 
Mrs. Harry S. (Julia Sague), 233, 
238, 239, 331. 

Bockee, Abraham, 130; Dr. Jacob, 
176. 

Bogardus, Jacob, 93; William W., 
94, 130, 170. 

Bonesteel. Virgil D., 176, 306, 307, 
309. 

Boorum, John, 63. 

Booth, Henry, 333; Mrs. Henry, 
226, 237, 326; Miss Lydia, 192, 
231; Miss Mabel, 239. 
Boston, Miss Louisa, 235; Miss 
Sarah, 235. 



Bostwick, Andrew, 60, 61, 85, 354; 
Joseph A., 167, 305, 309. 

Bosworth, Jabez, 94, 113, 116, 130, 
170, 305; Joseph, 127; Nathan- 
iel, 89, 90, 92, 360-362. 

Bowen, Mrs. E. W., 235; Reon L., 
242. 

Bower, G. C, 242; Mrs. G. C, 
239; John, 242. 

Bowman, Godfrey, 170; Joseph, 
130, 170. 

Boyd, David, 156; George, 170, 307. 

Bradbury, Mrs. Frank, 229, 234, 
235; Thomas C, 208. 

Bramble, James, 90, 94, 101, 305, 
307, 361, 377. 

Brazier, Miss Myra, 239. 

Bremner, the Rev. George, 318. 

Brenner, Mrs. Edward, 235. 

Brewster, Eliza, 193; Gilbert, 156, 
160, 170. 

Briggs, Mrs. George, 239. 

Brightman, David, 314. 

Brill, Miss Helen C, 234. 

Brinckerhoff, Abraham, 41; John 
H., 246. 

Brittain, Mackenzie, 315. 

Brokosch, Mrs. Joseph, 235. 

Brooks, Mrs. Charles, 229; David, 
36, 41, 53, 114, 130, 170, 303, 304, 
307, 398; Isaac, 66. 

Broome, William, 113, 130, 164. 

Brower, James C, 242. 

Brown, E., 130; Elisha, 130; the 
Rev. Dr. John, 169, 285, 286; 
Joseph, 130, 170; Miss Lotta, 
2.34; Richard, 242; William, 130. 

Brownejohn, Thomas, 170. 

Brownlee, Mrs. Mary R., 235, 239. 

Brush, John, 130, 170. 

Buckingham, Charles H., 326; Mrs. 
Charles H., 218. 227, 235. 237- 
239, 260, 326, 329, 330, 335; 
Stephen M., 159, 203, 208, 223, 
306, 307. 

Buckley, John, 311, 313. 

Buel, the Rev. Dr. Samuel, 162, 174, 
188, 194, 196, 197, 199, 204, 205, 
208, 211-215, 222, 250, 290, 291, 
324; Mrs. Samuel (Eliza Wilmer), 
205, 291. 

Bulkley, the Rev. Barzillai, 122, 
128, 282, 283, 321; Mrs. Bar- 
zillai (Mary Gunn), 128, 283; 
Jonathan, 282; the Rev. Peter, 
282; Uriah, 170; the Rev. Wil- 
liam J., 283; William, 170. 



426 



Index to Persons 



Burchan, Mrs. P. S., 208. 
Burgess, the Rt. Rev. George, 277, 

280; Mrs., 235. 
Burke, Dennis, 170. 
Burritt, Josiah, 156, 160, 170; R., 

170. 
Burton, the Rev. Dr. Daniel, 17. 
Bush, Mrs. Archibald McClure, 238, 

239; Jacob, 127, 130, 164, 170; 

Philo, 170. 
Bussing, William E., 242. 
Butler, Mrs. Francis H. (Katherine 

L. Stuyve.sant), 325. 
Buttolph, Mr., 193. 
Buys, Abraham, 30. 

Cadwell, Dr. Chester T., 242; Mrs. 
Chester T., 238. 239. 

Cady, the Rev. Dr. Philander K., 
172, 174, 194, 199, 208, 211. 213, 
215, 222, 225, 292, 293, 316, 324; 
Mrs. Philander K., 292; Hamil- 
ton, 292; Miss, 292. 

Caire, Gilbert, 242; Mrs. Gilbert, 
236. 

Caldwell, Harry. 101; Matthew, 94, 
113, 305. 

Callow, James, 84; James, Jr., 84. 

Campbell, Mr., 193. 

Canfield, Alva T., 170. 

Cannon, Arnout, 246; C. L., 246; 
Pelton, 242. 

Cantlin, Peter. 246. 

Carman, Caleb, 41,66, 101; Joshua, 
17, 31. 

Carpenter, David, 66, 93, 94; 
DuBois, 242; Mrs. DuBois, 238, 
239; Jacob B., 209. 246; Leonard, 
246; Mrs. Phillipina Fields, 327; 
Thomas, ISO; Virginia, 328, 338; 
William, 209; William B., 306, 
326, 328, 338; Mrs. William B., 
239, 326. 

Carr, Thomas, 94. 

Carter, Dr. Norris M., 209. 

Carty, John, 246; Jane, 246. 

Cary, Edward, 170; Joseph, 38. 

Case, Dr. Walter R., 246, ,251; 
Mrs. Walter R., 239. 

Cassidy, George, 242. 

Chamberlain, John, 66, 69. 
Chambers, Mrs. Anne, 42. 
Champion, George F.. 242; Mrs. 

George F., 235, 239. 
Chandler, the Rev. Charles N., 209, 
Cbandonet, Francois. 66. 69. 84, 86, 
93, 101. 



Chapman, Mrs. Peter. 235; W. S., 

246. i 

Chase, M. H., 242; Mrs. M. H., 237, 
239; the Rt. Rev. Philander, 106- 
114, 116-121, 126, 215, 279-282, 
321, 322, 386, 387, 395; Mrs. 
Philander (Mary Fay), 281; Mrs. 
Philander (Sophia M. Ingraham). 
281. 
Chaucer, Alexander, 53. 
Chichester, Miss Florence, 234, 239; 

Mrsr Frederick, 234, 235. 
Child, John, 36, 41, 53, 304, 344, 

362. 
Christie, Miss Edith, 234. 
Clagett, the Rt. Rev. Thomas' J., 

80, 277. 
Clark, Clarke, Allen, 170; [George. 
153, 306; the Rev. Richard, 65; 
Major William, 98. 
Clerk, Mrs. Thomas, 42. 
Cleveland, Stephen, 141, 156, 170, 

203, 306. 
Clinton, Governor George, 52, 57, 
Club, A., 42. 
Coapman, Copeman, Jacob, 41; 

John, 14. 92. 
Cockburn, Will., 34, 349, 350. 
Golden, Cadwallader D., 81, £0. S2, 
101, 305, 307, 358; Mrs. Cad- 
wallader D. (Maria Provoost), 81. 
Cole, Isaac, 41; Ulysses, 203. 
Coleman, the Rt. Rev. Ltighton, 

297. 
Collingwood, John G., 246; Mrs. 

John, 230; Mrs. M. E., 2S0.; | 
Conklin, Harry, 156; Henry, 153, 

170; Nathan, 170. 
Conrad, Peter, 242. 
Cook and Hopkins, 69. 
Cook, Cooke, Daniel, 14; John,' 17, 
41, 69, 84, 88, 93, 94, 101, 113. 
305, 343, 346, 852, 35.S. 357, 400, 
401, 409, 413-415; Mrs. John, 
416; Miss Polly, 114; Mr., 71, 
392, 393; Dr. Samuel, 57, 64, 371; 
William M., 66. 
Cooper and Hughson, 193. 
Cooper, Ebenezer, 14; Jacobus, 357; 
James, 84, 90, 93, 101, 353, S61; 
Dr. Jeremiah, 71, 343, 346, 347, 
352-354, 357, 413, 414; Dr. John, 
142, 153, 156, 160, 170, 305; Dr. 
John Reed, 142; Obadiah. 71; 
Philip, 53; Samuel, 101. 
Corlies, Miss Emma, 226; Joseph, 
209. 



427 



Index to Persons 



Cornell, James, 98; John, 53; 
Richard, 31; Stephen, 53; Thom- 
as, 31. 

Cornish, Joseph, 130, 314. 

Cornwell, Miss Antoinette, 226, 
230, 331; Miss Belle, 209; 
George, 186, 203, 206, 209, 245, 
246. 251, 287, 304, 306, 307, 309, 
310, 334; Mrs. George, 230, 239; 
Miss Helen, 233, 238, 239, 241; 
Miss Irene, 230, 233, 238, 239, 
241; Miss Mary E., 226, 230, 
237-239. 

Coster, Thomas, 203. 

Coxe, Macgrane, 332, 334; Mrs. 
Macgrane, 332; Peter Townsend, 
332; Robert E., 186. 

Coxhead, Homer L., 242; John P., 
176, 311, 313; Miss Susan, 239. 

Crannell, Bartholomew, 14, 17, 19, 
23-25, 27-29, 35, 36, 41, 49, 53, 
56, 57, 64. 85, 269, 303, 304, 
343, 344, 365, 368, 369, 371, 375, 
378, 379, 381-385, 390, 392-394; 
Mrs. Bartholomew (Tryntje Van 
Kleeck), 27. 

Crary, Archibald C, 170; the Rev. 
Dr. Robert P., 186; Mrs. Robert 
P., 248; Sarah, 170. 

(Cremshew ?). John D., 42. 

Crooke, Charles, 14, 43, 44, 53, 55, 
116, 177, 208, 305, 306, 329, 353; 
Mrs. Charles (Ann Rutgers), 42, 
47; Mrs. Charles (Jane Van 
Valkenburgh), 41, 53; Mrs. Char- 
les (Anna Neher), 203, 329; 
Miss Cornelia B., 176; Henry 
Suydam, 329; John, 47, 84, 93, 
94, 101, 116, 130, 148, 170, 305; 
Mrs. John (Cornelia Livingston), 
116; John J., 329; Miss Julia, 47, 
239, 329; Lewis, 329; Mrs. 
Lewis (Sarah E. Reynolds), 329; 
Miss Mary H., 176; Robert. 329, 

Cropsey, Mrs., 170. 

Crosswell, the Rev. Harry, 159. 

Culver, Mrs., 193. 

Cummins, the Rev. Alexander G. 
Sr., 297; Mrs. Alexander G. 
(Louisa Hayes), 339; the Rev. 
Dr. Alexander G., 144, 188, 218, 
236, 237, 242. 256, 257, 259, 260, 
297, 208, 320, 321, 339. 

Cundy, Edward W., 242; Mrs. 
Edward W., 239. 

Cunningham, Prederic, 176; Gar- 
wood H., 130; Joseph H., 170; 



Sarah, 127; Walter, 142, 153, 156. 

160, 165, 170. 
Curdy, Mrs. P. J., 235. 
Curry, Samuel, 62, 63, 91, 92. 
Curtis, Henry M., 246, 307, 308; 

Mrs. Henry M., 223, 226, 230; 

Henry S., 232. 

Dalcho, Dr. Frederick, 276. 

Dale, Mrs. Henry, 239; John W., 
335. 

Dakin, E. K., 170; Myron, 156. 

Daniel, Mrs., 194. 

Darwin, Charles, 219. 

Davids, George W., 239, 242; Mrs. 
George W., 239; Newell, 242; 
Mrs. Newell, 235; Raymond B., 
242. 

Davies, Alice, 176; Miss Charlotte, 
223, 331; John W., 203, 209, 212; 
Sarah, 176; the Rev. Thomas, 13, 
114, 267; Thomas L., 151, 153, 
156, 160, 170, 180, 185, 186, 193, 
203, 209, 287, 303, 306, 308, 310, 
320, 332; Mrs. Thomas L. (Jane 
C. E. Reed), 153, 176, 177, 180, 
181, 182, 196, 203, 287; William, 
94, 104, 105, 113-115, 122, 125, 
127, 130, 153, 156, 160, 170, 180, 
185, 191, 193, 196, 303, 305, 332, 
Mrs. William (Alice Antill), 153, 
159, 203; William A., 122, 156, 
159, 181, 186, 193, 203, 209, 246, 
306, 308, 316; Mrs. William A. 
(Sarah Van Wagenen), 181, 185; 
Mrs. William A. (Prances Burritt), 
222 227. 

Davis', Daniel, 130, 170, 305; the 
Rev. Edward, 169, 317; Hannah, 
160; Henry, 69, 142, 156, 160. 
170, 305, 308; John, 14, 21, 22. 
27, 33, 36, 41, 47, 49, 53, 55, 58, 
59, 62, 63, 66, 69, 71, 73, 75, 84. 
85, 90, 93, 94, 99, 101, 104, 106, 
113, 115, 119, 120, 125, 127-130, 
136, 170, 269, 303, 304, 306, 308- 
310, 315, 319, 341, 342, 345, 356- 
358, 363, 364, 367, 378, 382, 387, 
397, 414; Mrs. John, 170; John 
H., 153, 170, 309; Leonard, 113, 
130, 156, 170, 305, 317, 386; Mrs. 
Leonard, 153; Richard, 14, 30, 31. 
35, 36, 41, 47, 49, 53, 55, 58-61, 
63, 66, 69, 71, 83-86, 89, 93, 94, 
99, 101, 105, 110, 113, 115, 130, 
170, 277, 303. 304, 31-0, 319, 343, 
345, 347, 351-354, 357, 358, 360, 



428 



Index to Persons 



362-364, 371, 380, 381, 386. 393, 
400, 402, 405, 408. 412, 413; 
Richard, Jr., 55, 66, 304, 412; 
Richard D., 140, 141, 153, 156, 
159, 160, 193, 306, 309, 310; 
Widow Sally. 170; Miss Sally, 
153; the Rev. Sheldon, 216; 
Smith W., 242; Mrs. Smith W., 
238. 239; William, 89. 115. 

Dayton, Mrs. Samuel, 235. 

Dearing, Thomas, 14, 53. 

De Cantillon, Richard, 66, 69, 86, 
93, 101, 164. 

DeGrafif, Abraham, 41; Moses, 41. 

De Lametter, Delamater, Lavina, 
66; Peter, 55, 304. 

De Lance}', Stephen J., 98; Warren, 
130, 170; the Rt. Rev. W. H., 
292. 

De La Vergne, Nicholas, 19. 

Delmar, Etta, 331. 

Denning, William, 42. 

Dennis, Cyrus Cornell, 325; James 
McKim, 325; Roland R., 251, 
325; Mrs. Roland R., 230. 

De Pew. Christina L., 176; John, 
156, 160, 170. 

De Puyster, Jacobus, 14; Mrs., 170. 

De Riemer, Peter, 89, 94; Samuel, 
94. 

Desbrosses, Elias, 42, 85. 87. 

Detlefs, John, 242. 

Deveaux, Mrs., 170. 

DeVemont, Charles Martin John 
Peter, 85. (See Vemont.) 

Devine, Seward, 242. 

De Witt, Johannes, 41. 

Dickenson, Mrs., 193. 

Dix, the Rev. Dr. Morgan. 187. 

Dodge, Le Grand, 176, 193, 203, 
207, 209, 246, 251, 303, 304, 306, 
308, 329, 330; Mrs. Le Grand 
(Cornelia Crooke), 203, 329. 

Dorland, Dorlon, Mrs. C. P., 239; 
John, 41. 

Doty, A. M., 246. 

Doughty, Augustus. 242. 246, 251, 
331; Mrs. Augustus (Margaret 
Livingston Crooke), 226, 227, 230, 
231, 2.33, 237-239, 329; Isaac, 170; 
Joseph C, 209; Mrs. Mary 
Harris, 239; Robert, 242; Tim- 
othy, 53> 69. 

Douglass, James, 66. 

Douw, Miss Helen L., 226; J. De 
Puvster, 203, 208, 209, 246, 251, 
306, 308. 



Dow, Alexander C, 242; Mrs. 

Alexander C, 238, 239. 
Downes, William T., 246. 
Duane, James, 42. 341-343. 
Du Bois and Bailey, 93. 
Du Bois, Elias, 92; Henry, 66. 69; 

Lewis, 14, 30, 41, 42, 53. 101; 

Mrs., 101. 
Duffee, Daniel, 66. 69, 101. 
Duncan, Charles H., 101, 130; 

Thomas, 14, 42. 
Dunn, Andrew, 88, 92, 101, 274, 

358, 360; John, 88, 92. 101. 274, 

358, 360. 
Dunning, Lyman, 94. 
Duryea, Duryee, Abram T., 101; 

Abraham I., 94; Jacob K., 66. 
Dusenbury, Duzenbury, John, 101, 

314, 358; Stephen, 170. 
Dutton, Captain, 153: Samuel B., 

170, 193, 209, 30'i; Eliza De 

Witt, 176. 
Dyett, Joshua, 170. 

East, James, 209; Mrs. James E., 
239; Joseph, 203, 209. 

Eastmead, Thomas, 210, 314. 

Eldridge, E. Q., 203, 209; Mrs. E. 
Q., 203. 

Ellice, Henry, 314. 

Ellison, Gabriel, 53. 

Elmendorf. Conrad V D., 66. 

Elting, Irving, 142, 246, 334; Mrs. 
Irving, 230, 334. 

Emons, Eli. 14, 53, 56, 304; John, 
14, 53, 56. 

Emott, James. 42; the Hon, James, 
Sr., 127, 130, 136, 140, 141, 156, 
160, 170, 176, 303, 305, 308, 315, 
316; Mrs. James, Sr., 153; the 
Hon. James, Jr., 176, 191-194, 
197, 205, 212, 306, 308; Mrs. 
James, Jr. (Marv H. Crooke), 
329; William, 14, 22, 28, 29, 34, 
41. 53, 55. 57, 58, 63, 64, 66, 69, 
71, 76, 82-84, 90, 92-94, 98, 99, 
101, 104, 105. 113, 130, 151, 170, 
274, 277, 303, 304, 308-311, 320, 
321, 345, 347, 351-353, 356-363, 
365, 367, 372, 374, 377. 380-383, 
386-396, 398-400, 405-407, 412. 

English, Joseph C, 242; Mrs. 
Joseph C, 225, 237, 239. 

Ernst, Anthonv, 94. 

Erskin, Williaitn, 345. 

Evans, the Rev. William P., 318. 

Everitt, Clear, 14; Henry, 53; 



429 



Index to Persons 



Peter, 156, 170; Richard, 53, 66, 
69, 93, 94, 101, 170. 
Evertson, George B., 94, 170. 

Faller, .\lbert W., 319. 

Farrington, William R., 246; Mrs. 
William R. (Mary E. Goodsell), 
226, 230, 238. 

Fay, Eliphaz, 153, 310, 313. 

F(elton.'), John, 14. 

Ferdon, Abraham, 5.3, 66, 84; 
Jacob, 14, 53, 56; Johannes, 14, 
19, 53; Johannes, Jr., 19; John, 
14, 84, 305; John, Jr., 36, 53, 304; 
John I., 101; John Z., 101, 305; 
Zachariah, 14, 36, 53, 55, 66, 69, 
101, 304. 

Ferguson, Stephen, 314. (See Fo- 
gerson.) 

Ferris, Edmund, 352; Nathaniel, 
170. 

Field, John, 170; ( .' ), 101. 

Fields, Henry A., 156. 

Filkin, Francis, 27, 42; Henry, 19. 

Finlay, Mary Louisa, 176; Sarah, 
176. 

Fish, Alfred H.. 232, 234, 242; the 
Rev. Samuel C, 232, 234, 318; 
Miss, 230. 

Fisher, John, 42. 

Fitchett, Mrs. James, 246; J. 
Howard, 242. 

Flagler, Robert, 242, 315. 

Flewelling, Samuel, 170, 

Flockton, Miss Frances, 315. 

Fogerson, Stephen, 156. (See Fer- 
guson.) 

Fogg, Mrs. Charles, 230. 

Fonda, James H., 176, 192, 193, 306, 
308; John, 176; John L., 116, 
127, 131, 153, 156, 170, 305, 308. 
309; Mrs. John L., 153; Richard, 
170; Richard I., 153, 157; Wil- 
liam, 176. 

Forbes, John W., 152, 329, 330. 

Forbus, Alexander, 160, 170; John, 
94. 

Forman, Aaron, 66; Mrs. Eliza D., 
230, 24G; Miss Grace, 230, 246; 
William, 14. 

Forrey, Christian, 88. 

Fosburgh, Joakim, 69. 

Fowler, Benjamin M., 242; David 
H., 242; Mrs. David H., 236. 

Fox, Alcander, 209; Mr., 310, 311. 

Frank, Mrs. Andrew, 236. 
Frankenstein, George H., 242. 



Franklyn, (?), 170. 

Frear, Jacobus, 94; John, 14, 53, 
94. 

Frederick, Albert, 242. 

Freligh, George, 41. 

French, Bronson, 155, 170; Clifford 
319; Elizabeth, 176; Mrs. Har- 
vey, 234; Mrs. Mary A., 209. 

Frith, Mrs., 170. 

Frost, Allen, 234; Joseph G., 194; 
Mrs. Joseph G., 230; Miss Julia, 
230; Louis N., 242. 

Fryer, Mrs. Alexander L., 226. 

Gaine, Hugh, 42. 
Gallimore, George, 170. 
Gardner, Ezekiel, 170. 
Garfield, President, 257. 
Garrison, John W., 242; Mrs. 

John W., 238, 239, 241. 
Gavitt, Joseph, 157; (?), 170. 
Gay. John B., 131, 170; William, 53. 
Gavlord, George R., 193, 203, 209 

Mrs. John, 234. 
V Germond, James, 19; James P., 66 

John, 19; Peter, 19. 
Gibson, Jane, 325; Mary, 325 

William, 203, 209, 210, 212, 246 

251, 314. 325. 
Gildersleeve, Elmer D., Jr., 242 

Mrs. Elmer D., Jr., 239. 
Gill, Captain Robert, 84, 101, 131, 

157. 170. 
Gillender, Mr., 193. 
Goelet, Peter, 42; Thomas, 170. 
Goodey, Mrs. Sarah, 236. 
Goodrich, William M., 209, 233, 306. 

308; Mrs. William M., 246; Miss, 

230. 
Gorrell, James, 170. 
Graham, James, 170; Je.sse J., 242, 

307, 310; Mrs. Jesse J. (Elvira 

Sague), 226, 230, 239; John N., 

242; R., 232. 
Gray, Augustus B., 242, 307; Mrs. 

Augustus B., 239; George W., 

242; Harry, 242. 
Green, Mrs. Ann, 153, 170, 193; 

Joseph, 38. 
Greer, the Rt. Rev. David H., 257. 
Griffin, Mrs., 230. 
Grubb, John, 176, 208, 209, 306, 

317; the Rev. William C, 317. 
Guernsey, Stephen G., 246. 
Gullen, John, 84, 93, 101, 131; 

William, 170. 
Gunn, Abel, Sr., 94, 101, 128, 131, 



430 



Index to Persons 



170; Abel, Jr., 128, 149, 160, 192, 
204, 311, 313-315; Joseph, 157, 
170; Mary (Mrs. Barzillai Bulk- 
ley), 128; Samuel, 157; Mrs., 
170. 
Guylee, Ernest, 242; Miss Lena, 
241. 

Hackett, Mrs. John, 239. 
Hackley, Mrs. John H., 246. 
Hageman, Hegeman, Hendrick, 53; 
Isaac. 41, 53; William W., 209. 
Haight, Mrs. Edward, 230; W., 232. 
Hall, James, 66. 

Halliwell, George, 170; George W., 
246, 250, 311, 314; Mrs. George 
W., 226 228, 230, 239. 
Halstead, John, 38, 41, 71, 98, 343, 
346, 352, 357, 400, 401; John F., 
209, 246; Jonas, 71, 345-347, 400, 
401; Mrs. William, 236. 
Hamilton, Adolphus, 326, 331; 
Mrs. Adolphus, 230, 246, 251, 
326; Miss Edith, 226, 230. 231. 
246, 251. 331. 
Hammersley. Andrew, 42. 105; 

Mrs. John W., 203. 
Hammond, Miss, 230. 
Hampton, Miss Elise, 231; Mrs. 
Henry, 226, 229. 230. 246; Miss 
May, 230. 
Hannah, Miss Florence, 315. 
Hanscom, Andrew J.. 209. 
Harcourt. Mrs. C. C, 239. 
Hardenbrook, Miss Louise, 239. 241. 
Hare, William, 246. 
Harris, Joseph, 41; Peter, 14, 17, 19. 
23, 31. 48, 53, 56, 124, 362, 363, 
366, 370, 374, 379, 380, 383, 392. 
394; Mrs. Peter, 379. 
Harrison, Frederick, 170; President 

William H., 163. 
Hart, Abram Percival, 242; Ben- 
jamin Hall. 209; Mrs. Benjamin 
Hall (Elizabeth Nicholls), 203; 
Miss Cornelia B., 234; Miss 
Emily, 239; Miss Mary A., 217, 
225, 239; the Rev. Seth, 216; 
William Hall, 216, 242, 307. 
Harvey, James, 170; Mrs., 203, 

209. 
Hasbrouck, the Hon. Frank, 307; 
Mrs. Frank. 230, 237; Dr., 170. 
Hatch, Abijah S., 160, 306; the 
Rev. Frederick W., 165; George. 
153; Miss Julia, 246; Miss 
Susan, 246; Miss, 209. 



Hawkins, Barney, 157. 
Hay, Charles, 06, 69, 101; Maria, 
114; Mrs. Sarah, 114; Udney, 
60, 65, 66, 69, 85, 101. 
Hayt, Peter B., 240, 331, 334; Mrs. 

Peter B., 230; Mrs., 226. 
Hebbard, Hebard, Daniel, 170, 305; 

John Jay, 170. 
Heermance, Mrs. Andrew. 113. 
Heinze. Millie, 331. 
Henderson, Adam, 170; Oliver H., 

209. 
Hendricksen, Stephen, 66, 69, 93, 

94, 101, 131. 170, 305, 361. 
Heroy. Mrs. Smith. 230, 246. 
Herrick ( ? ), 170. 
Hess, the Rev. Lewis E., 299. 
Hey, J., 232. 
Heyser, Peter, 14. 
Hill, Nathaniel, 157. 
Hillis, Mrs., 203. 
Hinckley, Barney, 203, 209; Mrs. 

Barney, 203. 
Hinkle, Theodore, 246; Miss Mary 

Emily, 246. 
Hinkley, Miss Anne, 239; James 
William, 246, 328; Mrs. James 
William, 227, 237, 239, 329, 330; 
James William, 2d. 242, 307; 
Mrs. James William, 2d, 239; 
Miss Jane L., 234, 235, 238, 239, 
241, 330; John L., 242; Miss 
Josephine, 239; Mrs. Mary A., 
230, 239, 328; Miss Mary, 231. 
Hitchcock, Robert, 167. 
Hobart, the Rt. Rev. John H., 132, 
138-140, 148, 172, 282, 283, 285, 
286. 
Hobert, Mrs. Powell, 236. 
Hobson, John, 94. 
Hoffman, Hoof man, Abraham. 94; 
Anthony. 94, 101, 305, 358; 
Mrs. Anthony (Gertrude Ver- 
planck), 113, 131, 167, 160. 170; 
Martin, 66, 69; Robert, 41, 66. 
69, 352, 357. 
Holliday, Captain, 212. 
Holmes, Mrs. Maud Van Buren, 246. 
Holthuysen, John L.. 170; Louisa 

P., 176; Mary C, 176. 
Hooker, James, 140, 141, 153, 157. 
160, 170, 306. 309; Mrs. James 
(Helen Reade), 153, 203, 209, 330. 
Hooper, Judith, 66. 
Hopkins, Stephen A., 101. 
Hopper, Matthew, 170. 
Horner, Henercha, 84. 



431 



Index to Persons 



Horsmanden, Daniel, 42. 
Horton, Mrs. Anna Page, 236. 
Houghton, Charles L., 209. 
Howard, Hattie, 331; P., 232. 
Hoyle. William, Jr., 160, 306. 
Hoyt, Stephen, 94, 106, 107, 109, 

113, 116, 127, 131, 170, 305, 308, 

309, 383; Mrs. Stephen, 170; 

Stephen, 2d, 305. 
Hufcut, Miss Hazel, 231; Mrs. 

Horace D., 230. 
Hughes, Mrs. Joseph, 236. 
Hughson, Miss Julia, 209; Dr. 

Walter, 142, 318; the Rev. 

Walter, 318. 
Hulme, Mrs. Mary C, 203, 209, 

228 230 251. 
Humphrey,' William, 17, 19, 20, 31, 

32. 
Hunt, William, 193. 
Hunter, Miss Lillian, 239. 
Hunting, Mrs. Nathaniel, 230; 

Mrs. Samuel, 230. 
Hyde, Guy, 170. 

IngersoU, Samuel M.. 242; Mrs. 

Samuel M., 239. 
Ingraham, Duncan, 101, 131, 281; 

Mrs. James, 236; Mrs., 131, 170. 
Irving, Henry, 209, 246, 314. 
Irwin, James, 246. 

Jack, the Negro, 48, 60, 61. 
Jackson, Miss Lucy, 233; Mrs. 

Margaret C, 246. 
James, Beekman, 203; Edward K., 

160, 208, 306, 308, 309; R., 127; 

Richard, 170, 203; Mrs. Sarah, 

193. 
Jarvis, the Rt. Rev. Abraham, 121, 

122, 282; ( ? ), 170. 
Jecox, William, 14. 
Jelliff, the Rev. Hiram, 176, 191, 

192, 194. 
Jewett, F. W., 170; Nathan, 170. 
Johnson, Ira W., 315; Mrs. Ira W., 

246; the Rev. Dr. Samuel, 12, 13, 

70, 267, 347; Samuel, 69, 94, 113, 

131, 170. 
Johnston, Charles, 160, 306, 308, 

309; John, 94, 113, 131, 164, 170, 

308. 
Jones, Miss Elizabeth Van Cleef, 

239, 240; Mrs. Martha Barnard, 

226, 259, 338; Samuel, 42; Mrs. 

Walter Mott, 238, 239. 



Kaess, William, 246. 

Kahler, Mrs. Louisa, 236. 

Kaiser, Augustus, 242. 

Kaley, Mrs. J. K., 239. 

Kaye, Mrs. Martha, 246. 

Kearney, Robert, 170; Susan Watts 
(Mrs. William I. Street), 384. 

Keller, Stephen, 246; Sophie, 246. 

Kelley, Mrs. W. W., 246. 

Kelsey, Kelcey, Harriet J. (see 
Sague); Henry, 170; Jonas, 41, 
42, 53, 66, 93, 101. 

Kent, the Hon. James, 93, 96; 
Moss, 15. 

Ketcham, Gilbert, 131, 170. 

Kettletas, William, 101; Mrs., 84. 

Key, Francis Scott, 278; Mrs. 
William, 236. 

Keynton, Samuel, 210, 212, 314. 

Kiefer, Christian, 246. 

Kimlin, John, 209; William, 209; 
William R., 246. 

Kidney, Lydia, 170; Robert I., 157. 

Kimball, Nathaniel, 170. 

King, Mrs. Andrew, 209; Charles 
Edward, 242; Mrs. Charles Ed- 
ward, 236; Herman, 311, 313; 
John W., 242, 314, 315; Mrs. 
John W., 236; Richard, 33, 343. 

Kinkead, Miss Cornelia Dodge, 207, 
231, 237, 239, 320, 330; the Rev. 
George Blackburn, 3d, 207, 318, 
330; Dr. John, 246, 251, 318, 
334; Mrs. John (Anna Dodge), 
318; Mrs. John (Elise S. Hamil- 
ton), 226, 227, 230, 239, 246, 331. 

Kip, Elizabeth, 66; Francis, 03, 357. 

Knapp, Mr., 199, 310-312. 

Knill, Mrs. Alice A., 176, 203. 

Knower, Benjamin, 94, 101. 

Knowlson, Mrs. Walter S., 239. 

Kohl, Mrs. Carl, 239. 

Ladd, the Rev. Dr. Horatio O., 7. 
La Fayette, General the Marquis 

de, 162. 
Lake, Charles, 246. 
Lalouette, Miss Pauline, 209, 230, 

239. 
Lamson, Miss Elizabeth, 114. 
Landers, John, 94. 
Lane, Silas, 242. 
Langdon, Thomas, 5, 6. 
Lausing, Johannes, 15; Johannes 

P., 15; Peter, 15; Peter A., 15; 

William, 15. 
Lawless, John, 94. 



432 



Index to Persons 



Lawrence, Captain, 42, 66; N., 69. 
Lawson, John, 314. 
Leake, John, 34, 42, 349. 
Learning, the Rev. Jeremiah, 70. 
347, 401. 

LefiFerts, Daniel, 55, 66. 69, 84, 93, 
99, 101, 303, 304, 308, 353, 355, 
357, 413. 

Leight, Edward, 42. 

Lent, David B., 170. 

Le Roux, Charles, 17, 19, 23, 391, 
393. 

Le Roy, Laroy, Jacob, 42; John, 
62, 63, 69, 94, 101, 131, 410; 
John, Jr., 66; Mrs., 84; Peter, 
41; Simon, 41; Simon, Jr., 41, 53. 

Lester, Mordecai, 41. 

Lewis, Albert, 242; Mrs. Catherine, 
236; Jonathan, 53, 131, 310, 311; 
Leonard, 93, 357; Morgan, 94; 
Richard, 131; Sabin, 170; the 
Rev. William G. W., 317. 

Lightbourne, Joseph G., 170. 

Lincoln, President, 213. 

Lindsley, Mrs., 236. 

Livingston, Beekman, 66, 93; Gil- 
bert, 15, 41, 51, 53, 57, 69, 94, 96, 
99, 101, 366, 395; Mrs. Gilbert 
(Catherine Crannell), 51, 99, 122; 
Gilbert I.. 69; Henry, 53; Henry 
A., 94; Henry G., 131; Henry, 
Sr., 101; James, 15, 21, 66; John, 
43; John B., 131; Philip I., 304; 
Philip J., 41; Robert G., 115; 
Robert H., 66, 93, 131; Robert 
R., 43; Robert R., Jr., 43. 

Livingston & Kent, 93, 96. 

Lossing, Benson J., 212, 306, 308. 

Lother, Louther, Louder, Lowder, 
William, 66, 69, 84, 101, 131. 

Lott, Abraham P., 43; the Rev. 
Leonard Walter, 318. 

Lovett, John, 15, 53. 

Low, John, 41; Peter, 41; William, 
41. 

Lucas, U. Grant, 242. 

Ludington, Henry, 41. 

Ludlow, Gabriel H., 43; Gabriel 
William, 43, 47; George, 43, 
151; George Duncan, 43; Mary, 
127; William, 15, 43; William 
Henry, 43. 

Lumb, G., 232. 

Lupton, William, 43. 

Luyster, Peter, 41. 

Lyke, Mrs. Frederick S., 233, 234, 
238. 



Maar, Henry J., 242; R. H., 232. 
Mabbett, Mrs. Edwin, 209. 
Madison, Charles, 242; Frank, 242; 

Mrs. Frank, 236; the Rt. Rev. 

James, 80. 
Madsen, Fred, 242. 
Mahoney, Mrs. Ann, 236. 
Maison, the Rev. Dr. Charles A., 

317; Leonard, 141, 157, 160, 162. 

171, 317; Peter R., 128, 131, 171; 

William P., 176. 
Malcomb, Mrs., 209. 
Maloney, Richard J., 242. 
Mancius, C, 41. 
Mann, Dr. Frederick J., 242; Mrs. 

Frederick J. (Mina L. Frost), 233, 

237, 239. 
Manney, John, 94. 
Manning, Miss Rosalie. 237-239; 

Mrs. William, 239. 
Marsh, Miss Elizabeth, 246; Mrs., 

230; Silas, 66; Silas, Jr., 93, 101. 
Marshall, George C, 160, 306. 
Marston, Mr., 43. 
Marx, Walter S., 242. 
Mason, Edward T., 251, 334; Mrs. 

Edward T., 230; Miss Josephine, 

231. 
Masten, Hendrick, 41. 
McAvoy, Mrs. Peter, 246. 
McClelland, Miss Nancy Vincent, 

231. 
McConaghy, Mrs. Anna B., 246; 

George, 242. 
McCoull, Miss Emily H., 246. 
McDonald, Charles, 314, 315. 
McGlasson, Miss Minnie R., 239. 
McKean, Levi, 94, 100, 101. 131; 

Mrs. Levi (Helen), 113. 
McKinley, President, 257. 
McKisson, John, 43. 
McSparran, the Rev. Dr., 265. 
Meacham, John, Jr., 126, 127. 
Mead, Miss Jane, 236. 
Meade, Charles J., 242; Mrs. 

Charles J., 225, 237, 331. 
Medlar, Aaron, 15, 53; Johannes, 

15, 19, 41, 56; John, 36, 53, 84, 

304. 
Meeks, James, 168. 
Meisanbacker, ( ? ), 246. 
Merritt, Miss Mary T., 209, 246. 
Mesier, Abraham, 43; Matthew, 

122, 131, 171; Peter, 84, 86, 93, 

101, 106-108, 131, 308, 353, 356- 

358, 361, 362, 411. 
Mesier and Schenck, 43, 90. 



433 



Index to Persons 



Metcalf, Henry, 15. 

Michael, Mrs., 171. 

Mills, Mrs. Herbert, 239; James, 101. 

Minturn, Nathaniel G., 171. 

Mitchell, Isaac, 171; L., 232; Mary 
171,203; Mrs., 171; Robert. 171; 
Sarah, 203; Statia, 171; Stephen, 
131, 171; Thomas, 90, 94, 101, 
131, 305, 361, 381; Uriah, 53, 66; 
the Rev. Walter, 327; Mrs. 
Walter, 327. 

Mooney, Daniel, 171. 

Moore, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin, 75, 
116-121. 128, 129, 138, 284, 323 
Governor, Sir Henry, 34, 359 
James, 314, 397; John, 47 
William, 94. 

Morgan, Mrs. Charles, 236; Mrs. 
S. N., 226, 230, 239; Mrs., 209; 
Peter B., 113, 125, 127, 171, 305. 

Morris, Richard, 63. 

Morrison, Malcolm, 15. 

Morton, Mrs. Levi P. (Anna L. 
Street), 334. 

Moseley, Gideon, 157, 171, 310, 312; 
Lucilius, 246; Mrs., 171. 

Moss, Charles, 19; Matias, 15. 

Mott, Ebenezer, 53, 94, 111; 
Henry, 55, 59, 66. 69, 84, 93, 94, 
^~ 101, 304, 351-353, 356, 405, 412, 
414; Jacob, 66, 69; John, 41, 53, 
56, 66, 69, 84, 93, 94, 101, 131, 
305, 308; Joseph, Jr., 66, 69; 
Samuel, 41, 53, 101; Thomas, 66. 

Muhlenberg, the Rev. Dr. William 
A., 201. 

Mullin, Peter, 41. 

Myers, Frank, 242; Harriet A., 
176; John P., 157, 171; Miss 
Luella, 241: Mrs. Mary C, 236 
Nathan, 171; Nathan, Jr., 171 
Peter, 94; Peter Ten Broeck, 171 
Miss Sarah C, 236; Thomas C, 
242. 

Nash, Daniel, 84, 94. 

Neill, John, 15. 

Neilson, John, 15; Theophilus, 15. 

Nelson, Mrs. Cornelia M., 228, 230, 

261; Miss Elizabeth P., 230; the 

Hon. Homer A., 209; Jacob, 171; 

Miss Leila, 230. 
Newbold, Thomas, 43, 203. 
Newcomb, Miss Elizabeth, 226, 

227, 230; Isaac Burhans, 176; 

Isaac M., 160; Mrs. Sophia P., 

209, 230, 246. 



Newman, John Henry, 173, 175. 

Newport, George, 171. 

Neville, Dorsey, 246. 

Nicholl, Dr. William W., 171. 

Nicholls, Mrs. E., 193; Miss Louisa 
A., 203, 246; Samuel, 124, 383, 
386, 387; Mrs. Walter C, 239; 
Mr., 171. 

Nickalls, Charles, 43. 

Nickerson, Miss Marjorie L., 237. 

NicoUs, Edward, Jr., 43. 

Niles, Mrs. Charles M., 208, 330. 

Noble, Benjamin, 171. 

North, Reuben, 176, 193, 203, 208, 
209, 306, 308, 310; Captain 
Robert, 52, 53, 66; Mrs., 209. 

Northrop, Elijah, 160. 

Nott, the Rev. Dr. Eliphalet, 286. 

Noxon, Bartholomew, 4, 19, 20, 31, 
41, 47, 53, 128, 131, 171, 303, 309, 
343; Dr. Robert, 4, 55, 58, 66, 69, 
71, 84, 90, 94, 101, 113, 128, ISl, 
171, 303, 304, 353, 355, 361, 364, 
365, 377, 398, 405, 412, 414; Mrs. 
Robert (Hester Davis), 58; Si- 
mon, 53, 55, 66, 69, 304, 345; 
Thomas, 4. 

Nye, Ebenezer, 171. 

Oakley, George Peters, 128, 131, 

153, 157, 160, 165, 171, 305, 308; 

Jesse, 131; John W., 157, 171; 

Mrs. J. W., 153; the Hon. 

Thomas J., 114, 128, 136, 157, 

171, 305, 308. 
Olivet, Mrs. George D., 237-239; 

Miss Florence W., 237, 239. 
Onderdonck, the Rt. Rev. Benja- 
min, 160, 290. 
Orcutt, Silas M., 131. 
Osborn, Osborne, Osburn, Miss C. 

H., 311, 313, 315; Samuel, 31; 

William, 171; W. H., 242. 
Ostrander, Andreas, 69; Gideon, 

27, 374, 375, 378. 393, 396-398; 

Mrs. J. D., 247. 
Ostrom, Andrew, 363, 378; Hen- 

drick, 27, 368, 374, 380, 397; 

Mrs. Hendrick (Marritje), 124, 

362, 366, 378-380; Henry, 66, 

363, 378; Jacobus, 362-364, 366, 
367, 370, 378-880, 389: John, 363, 
378; Nelly (Mrs. Westervelt), 
378, 381. 

Otis, Annie S., 326; Dr. John 
Calhoun, 242, 247, 251, 304, 307, 
308, 326, 329, 334; Mrs. John 



434 



Index to Persons 



Calhoun (Katherine Haviland), 

226, 228, 230, 231, 238, 239, 326. 

329; Mrs. John Haviland, 239. 
Overocker, Edwin, 242; Mrs. Jacob 

v., 230, 239; George, 242. 
Packard, Mrs. James B., 239. 
Page, Henry W., 247; Mary, 331; 

Robert E., 242. 
Palmatier, Parmentier, Peter, 15, 

56; William, 95. 
Palmer, James, 314; Mrs. Maria, 

209; Robert. 176, 194. 
Pardee, John. 171; Stephen, 153, 

157. 171. 
Parker, Dr. Edward Hazen, 184, 

203, 207-210, 251, 304, 306, 308, 

330, 332; Mrs. Edward H. 

(Sarah Olcott), 208, 222, 225, 226, 

330; Mrs. Edward H. (Jeannie 

C. Wright), 184, 225, 226, 230, 

231, 233, 238; Miss Helen 

Choate, 208, 226, 230, 234, 330; 

Joseph, 108, 131, 199, 310, 311; 

Sylvester, 171; Thomas, 209; 

Miss, 171. 
Parkinson, Miss Elizabeth, 153; 

John, 157, 171; Mary, 160. 
Parsons, Chester, 128, 131, 171; 

Frederick T., 153; Seth, 171; 

Mrs., 171. 
Paten, Stephen, 314. 
Patten, G. W., 209; John, 95; 

Robert, 30. 
Patterson, George, 242. 
Pawling, John, 53. 
' (Payn?), Benjamin, 15. 
Payne, E. T., 171; James William, 

41, 53. 
Pearce, George T., 242; Mrs. 

George T., 236. 
Pease, Grove A., 171. 
Pells, Abraham, 95; Hendrick, 95; 

Henry S., 41. 
Pennington, William, 131. 
Perkins, Edward E.. 242. 
Petition, Miss Sarah, 226, 227, 233, 

234 238 239. 
Phillips, David, 131. 171, 305; Mrs., 

171. 
Phinney, Miss Lydia Ingraham, 184, 

203, 209, 224-226, 332. 
Pier. Sylvester, 232, 233, 307. 308, 
311, 314, 334; Mrs. Sylvester, 
230, 233; Victor, 232. 
Pierce, Captain, 171; John, 171; 
Marinas, 153, 157, 160, 171; Miss 
Rebecca, 171. 



Piersen, Mr., 171. 

Pike, Katie. 331. 

Pilgrim, Dr. Charles W., 242. 307. 

308. 
Pine, Dr. Per Lee, 209; Philip. 71, 

346, 347, 400, 401. 
Pinkney, Ezekiel, 69; John, 66; 

Samuel, 53, 84, 101; Thomas, 41. 

69. 
(Pioner?), John, 84, 
Piatt, Charles, 101; Isaac, 143, 153. 

176, 206, 242; Mrs. Isaac (Marie 

L. Reynolds), 234, 239; Isaac I., 

203. 
Polk, William, 247; Mrs. William, 

247. 
Poole, Thomas, 41, 53, 55, 58, 66, 

69, 84, 93, 101, 274, 304, 343, 357, 

400. 
Post, William, 55, 304. 
Porteous, Dr. James G., 247, 331; 

Mrs. James G.. 239; Miss Effie, 

237, 239, 241. 
Potter, the Rt. Rev. Alonzo, 143- 

145, 316, 325, 333; the Rev. Dr. 

Eliphalet Nott. 254, 299, 333; 

the Rt. Rev. Henry Codman, 144, 

187, 218, 248-250, 253, 254, 294. 

296; the Rt. Rev. Horatio, 143- 

145, 187, 213. 293, 316, 825; 

Joseph, 142; Paraclete, 122, 128, 

142, 143, 153, 157, 165, 171, 305. 

308, 309; Mrs. Paraclete (Cla- 
rissa Badger), 122, 142; Sheldon, 

171; William Appleton, 229, 244, 

245, 250, 328; Mrs., 209, 
Poucher, Mrs. Morris, 326. 
Powell, Miss Vera, 241. 
Power, Nicholas, 84, 93, 101. 
Prentice, the Rev. Joseph, 129. 
Price, John, 101; Michael, 53. 
Pride, John, 66, 69, 93. 
Pritchard, Mrs. Benjamin, 236; 

James, 55, 66, 69, 71, 84, 101, 113, 

131, 304, 353, 356, 405, 408, 409, 

412-414; Mr., 310, 311. 
Provoost, the Rt. Rev. Samuel, 45- 

47, 65, 75, 80-83, 109, 114, 116, 

273, 279, 323. 
Prowse, William G., 242; Mrs. 

William G., 239. 
Pudney. Richard. 153, 157, 160, 171. 
Punderson, the Rev. Ebenezer, 267, 

269. 
Putnam, Dr. Emma, 239; Mrs., 230. 
Pyre, Thomas, 38. 
Quirk, Mrs. Thomas M., 237. 



435 



Index to Persons 



Raab, Emily F., 247. 

Radcliffe, Radclift, David Van 
Ness, 160, 171: Jacob. 66, 124, 
361, 375, 394; Peter W., 95. 

Radford, Nathaniel, 171. 

Rapalje, Mrs. Adrian, 240. 

Raingeard, Mr., 171. 

Ranns, Mary, 331. 

Raymond, the Rev. Dr. W. O., 56, 
268, 269. 

Reade, John, 95, 101, 106, 113, 115, 
119, 122, 131, 152, 171, 303, 305, 
308, 315, 377, 381; Mrs. John 
(Catherine Livingston), 115, 152, 
171, 330; Robert L., 305, 308, 
309. 

Reed, Jane C. E. (Mrs. Thomas L. 
Davies), 180, 287; the Rev. Dr. 
John, 135, 136, 138-140, 142-144, 
146, 148, 149, 151-156, 158-160, 
163, 164, 167-169, 172, 174, 175, 
177, 179, 180, 184, 188, 190, 191, 
196, 206, 214, 216, 248, 261, 283- 
288, 310, 312, 316, 317, 320, 324, 
330, 333, 334; Mrs. John (Susan 
Robinson), 153, 287; Mrs. John 
(Elizabeth Parkinson), 153, 287. 

Reeves, Miss Agnes, 231. 

Reickel, Mrs. James M., 236, 240. 

Reid, Eli, 54. 

Relay, Henry, 84, 95, 113, 171; 
Mrs. Henry, 171; Lewis, 113. 

Retsey, John M., 15, 54. 

Reynolds, Miss Cora A., 226, 234; 
Harris S., 243; Mrs. Harris S., 
237, 238, 240; Miss Helen 
Wilkinson, 150, 237, 238, 240, 241, 
320; John R., 333; Mrs. John 
R., 235, 240; Louis W., 243; 
Miss May L., 238, 240, 241; 
Paul I., 243; Percy L., 234, 243. 

Rhinelander, Fred., 43. 

Rich, Charles A., 259. 

Richards, Ashley H., 243; Mary 
Gibson, 325. 

Richmond, John, 95. 

Richter, John Michael, 41. 

Rider, the Rev. Dr. George T., 187, 
209. 

Rikel, Frederick, 243; Mrs. James, 
236; James, 243.. 

Riley, Dr. Isaac Woodbridge, 243. 

Ritter, F. W., 176. 

Rivington, James, 43, 48. 

Roberts, Daniel, 15, 17, 31, 54. 

Robinson, Beverly, 268; Charles 
P., 247; John D., 153, 157, 160, 



171, 209; Mrs. John D. (Sarah 

Forbus), 153, 182, 203; Samuel 

I., 243, 307. 
Robson, James, 247. 
Roe, Ezekiel, 101. 
Rogers, Charles P., 171; Mrs. 

Charles, 236; Eliza, 101, 131; 

Ichabod, 54; James, 69. 
Rollinson, Edward Innis, 326; Mrs. 

Joseph, 326. 
Roosevelt, Miss Ellen C, 237, 240, 

241; John A., 307; Mrs. John A., 

237, 240. 
Rosekrans, Benjamin, 41; Henry, 

41; James, 41. 
Ross, David, 93. 
Rothery, Matthew, 95, 101, 131. 
Rowe, Mrs., 203. 
Rudd, the Rev. Arthur B., 232, 318; 

Mrs. Charles, 230, 240; Hilen, 

171; Theron, 171; Zebulon, 247. 
Ruggles, Charles H.. 160, 176, 193; 

Henry J., 115, 145, 148-152, 154, 

158, 200; Nathaniel, 171; Philo, 

128, 131, 140, 141, 157, 171, 303. 

305, 308, 312; Samuel, 157, 158; 

Samuel B., 157. 
Rupley, Mary, 331; Samuel K.. 

307. 308, 334. 
Russell, the Rev. Gilbert V., 318; 

Mrs. Jay W., 240. 
Rutgens, Captain, 93. 
Rutza, Asa, 101. 
Rutsen, Henry, 314. 
Rutzer, Henry, 101, 131. 
Ryan, John, 171. 

Sackett, Leonard B., 209; Mrs. 
Leonard B., 203. 

Sague, Clarence, 243; Horace, 209, 
212, 243, 247, 251; Mrs. Horace 
(Harriet J. Kelsey), 177, 206, 
224, 225, 230, 237, 240, 247; 
John Kelsey, 194, 231. 232, 234, 
243, 247, 304, 307, 308, 310. 334; 
Mrs. John Kelsey (Helen N. 
Frost), 233, 237. 238, 240. 

Salisbury, Frederick, 209. 

Sanders, Robert, 34. 

Sands, George, 15, 66; Henry, 16, 
54; James, 171; William, 171; 
Mr., 97. 

Sanford, Miss Mary B., 234, 238. 
240; Robert, 247; Mrs. Robert 
(Helen M. H. Stuyvesant), 325. 

Sanse, Richard, 43. 

Sayrs, the Rev. John Johnson, 92, 



436 



Index to Persons 



95, 105, 276-278, 321, 371; Mrs. 
John Johnson (Sophia Sprafce), 
278; John Johnson, Jr., 278; 
John, 113, 131. 
Scarborough, the Rt. Rev. John, 

249, 250. 
Schenck, Henry, 347; John, Jr., 41; 

Paul, 66, 95. 
Schermerhorn, Miss Elizabeth, 233; 

the Rev. Martin K., 318. 
Schoonmaker, A. AUendorph, 243; 

the Rev. Hendricus, 44. 
Schou, Charles E., 247. 
Schryver, Peter, 66. 
Schultz, Mrs. William T., 230. 
Schuyler, Philip T., 95. 
Schwartz, Albert E., 242, 243; Mrs. 

Albert E., 225, 237, 238, 240. 
Scofield, Charles, 243. 
Scott, Mrs. Jane, 236. 
Seabury, Davis, 43; John, 63; 
Joseph, 92; the Rev. Samuel, 
1-4, 6-12, 16, 26, 111, 265, 266; 
Mrs. Samuel (Abigail Mumford), 
265, 266; Mrs. Samuel (Elizabeth 
Powell), 266; the Rt. Rev. 
Samuel, 67, 68, 77, 79, 80, 266, 
270, 271, 401, 415; the Rev. Dr. 
William J., 3, 197. 
Seaman, David, 66; Peter. 41. 
Searle, George F., 209. 
Shattuck, Sydney D., 243. 
Shear, Johannes, 41. 
Sheels, James, 41. 
Shepherd, Miss Elizabeth, 188, 192, 

200, 247. 
Sherrill, Harold, 243; Hunting, 160; 

Wilfred, 243. 
Sherwood, the Rev. Reuben, 169. 
Shultz, Miss Amelia, 240, 247; 
Charles E., 247; Miss Lydia, 237, 
240, 247. 
Shurter, James, 247; Miss S.. 247. 
Shuster, Frances, 247. 
Sibley, Samuel, 171. 
Sidell, Edwin V.. 242, 243; Mrs. 
Edwin V. (Carrie Campbell), 
225, 233. 237, 240. 
Siegfried, Frederick H., 243. 
Silkreggs, Jeremiah, 310, 312. 
Silvernail, Mrs. Warren, 236. 
Simpson, Albert A., 243, 307; Mrs. 

Albert A., 240. 
Sirrine, Harry, 243; William, 243; 

Mrs. William, 240. 
(Sitton ?), John, 41. 



Sketchlev, Thomas, 131; the Miss- 
es, 131. 
Skinner, Warren, 153, 157, 171, 310. 

312. 
Slater, James H., 243; Mrs. James 

H., 236. 
Slee, Miss Lina, 226. 233; Samuel, 

131, 305. 
Sleight, Abraham, 41. 
Sloan, Catherine, 84; Gerard S.. 
131, 171; Miss Gertrude, 233, 
240; James, 247; John J., 232, 
247, 307; ' William H.. 232, 243, 
247; Mrs.. 84. 
Smith, Abel, 84, 95, 102, 131, 171; 
the Rt. Rev. Benjamin B., 281; 
Benjamin, 41; Daniel, 54, 55, 66, 
84, 93, 102, 304, 353, 357, 414; 
Frederick, 84; George, 84; Ger- 
ard, 55, 304; Granville, 113, 131, 
171; Harold, 243; Miss Harriet, 
153; Harry M., 243; l-saac, 70, 
247, 288, 347, 348, 351, 360; 
Captain Israel, 66, 69, 93, 99, 102; 
Jacob, 54; James Scott, 93, 95; 
James S., 102; John, 41, 95, 102; 
Josiah, 95; Maurice, 15, 41, 54; 
Morris S., 54; Ralph, 243; Robert, 
69; Samuel, 15, 36, 41, 54, 55, 66, 
69, 84, 93, 102, 303, 304, 362, 402; 
William, 95, 105; William C, 
171; William De Garmo, 243, 
307-309; Mrs. William De Garmo, 
237, 240; William John, 331. 
Snedeker, Richard, 15, 66, 69, 362. 
Snider, Benjamin, 71, 98. 
Snowden, the Rev. W. E., 250. 
Snyder, Miss Fanny D., 237, 240. 
Southard, Southward, Gilbert, 345 
Joseph, 66, 84; Richard, 19 
Thomas, 71; Zebulon, 38, 345 
Mr., 71. 
I Southwick, Stephen, 160. * 
! Spaulding, Arthur Frost, 258, 339; 
Pufnam Frost. 247, 251, 258, 304, 
306, 308, 334. 339; Mrs. Putnam 
Frost, 215, 230, 240. 
Spencer, Reuben, 171. 
Sperbeck, Mrs., 236. 
Spierin, the Rev. George Hartwell. 
81, 90, 92, 271, 273-277. 315. 321. 
371. 
Spross, John, 243; Mrs. John, 286; 

Philip, 243; Mrs. Philip, 236. 
Stanwix. John, 153, 157, 160. 171, 

306; Mrs.. 203. 
Stearns. Mrs. Robert, 230, 247. 



437 



Index to Persons 



Steenburgh, Elias, 171. 

Stephens, Stevens, Sevens, Damon, 

171; Stephen, 66, 84, 93; William 

S., 160. 
Stewart, Alexander, 114; Archibald, 

84, 90. 91, 93, 95, 99, 102, 114, 

131, 305, 309, 361. 
Stone, Mrs,, 236. 
Storm, Edward, 209; Mrs. Edward, 

230; George W., 247; Mrs. 

George W., 230; Miss Margaret 

A., 226. 230. 
Stoughton, Thomas P., 310, 312, 

313. 
Stoughtenburgh, John, 54; Peter, 

43. 
Stratford, Mrs. Robert J., 238. 
Stratton, John. 243. 
Street, Streit, Randall S.. 116. 128, 

131, 171, 305, 308, 387, 396; 

William A., 334; William I., 176, 

334;Mrs.WilliamI..334;Mr.,193. 
Strouts, Sarah A., 176. 
Stuart, Amelia, 176; Julia, 176; 

Mary, 176; Thomas. 15. 
Stuyvesant. (J. R. ?). 193; John 

Reade, 325; Mrs. John Reade, 

209, 325; John Reade, 2d, 325; 

Miss Anna Elizabeth, 325. 
Sutcliffe. the Rev. Eli D.. 317; 

John, 247. 
Sutherland, Solomon, 95. 
Sweeny, Mrs. Louis, 326. 
Swift, A. B., 171; Mrs. Charles W. 

(Mary Messier), 334; Charles W . 

2d, 243; Mrs. Charles W., 2d, 
(Adelaide Van Kleeck). 238. 240; 
Miss Elma D., 240. 
Synott. Mrs. Stephen H.. 227. 

Tallmadge, the Hon. Nathaniel P., 
141. 153, 157. 160, 165, 171, 306; 
Mrs. Nathaniel P., 153. 

Tanner, Mrs.. 209. 

Tappen, Elizabeth, 95; .John, 66, 
69, 102; Peter, 41, 50, 52, 54, 57, 
62, 66, 69, 93, 102; Mrs. Peter 
(Elizabeth Crannell), 50; Tunis, 
102. 

Taylor, Mrs. Charlotte, 203; 
George, 95, 131, 171, 309; Hud- 
son, 209, 247, 334; Mrs. Hudson 
(Christine), 247, 251; Miss Lou- 
ise E.. 240; Miss Mildred E.. 
226; Robert E., 209, 247; Mrs. 
Robert E., 184, 225, 230, 231. 237; 
William. 131; Dr., 171. 



Ten Broeck, Hannah. 15; the Rev. 

Petrus, 164. 
Ten Eyck and Seaman, 43. 
Tenney, Benjamin R., 186, 194. 203, 
208, 209, 247, 306, 309. 327; 
Mrs. Benjamin R., 222. 225. 226. 
230, 240, 251, 327. 

Ter Boss, Daniel, 33, 71, 343. 346, 
347, 356, 400, 401; Henry, 4; 
Jacobus, 4, 19, 38. 

Ter Bush, Cornelius. 69; John, 66. 

Terry, William, 15, 54, 66. 111. 

Thacher. T., 131. 

Thomas, Miss Elizabeth, 209, 230, 
251; Dr. John, 66, 102, 142, 171, 
316; Miss Olivia, 176; Miss 
Sarah, 209, 230; Dr. William, 
142, 157, 160, 171; the Rev. 
William B., 209, 298, 309, 316. 
317; the Ven. William R^ed, 317. 

Thompson. Abiel. 131. 305, 310, 
312; Mrs. Abiel, 171; Abiel G., 
171; E., 171; Mrs. John, 223, 
230, 238, 247. 251. 331; John J., 
251; Robert. 15. 54; Samuel, 84; 
Smith, 95. 

Thome, James. 95; Robert. 102. 
305. 

Thurman. John, Jr.. 43. 

Thrasher, Asahal, Ashael. 84, 102. 

Tice, B. G., 232. 

Tillotson, Thomas. 95. 

Toucey. John M., 209. 

Tower, Albert, 244, 245, 247. 250. 
306. 325; Mrs. Albert. 226, 227, 
248, 325, 327, 328, 334; A. 
Edward, 259, 304, 307, 309, 310, 
331; Mrs. A. Edward, 226. 231, 
237; Joseph T., 226, 251, 307. 

Townsend, Mrs., 230. 

Traver, Henry I., 160. 

Travers, the Rev. Edward S.. 298. 

Tredwell, Edward, 41. 

Trivett, Elias, 142, 153, 157. 159. 
160, 171, 193, 306, 309; Theodore 
176, 192; Mrs. Walter (Frances 
M. Davis). 337. 

Trolley, Isaac, 243; Mrs. Isaac, 240. 

Trowbridge, George B.. 209. 

Tryon, Governor William, 35. 

Turnbull. George, 102. 

Turner, Chester, 153; William, 171. 

Tweedy, John, 247; Mrs. John, 247. 

T ( ? ). Dr., 193. 



Vail. Percy E., 314. 

Valentine. Edward W., 243, 250, 



438 



Index to Persons 



257,311, 314; Mrs. Edward W., 
240; Frank, 243; George, 247; 
Mrs. Harry, 240; Mrs. Mary J., 
236; Mrs. Mary, 247; Samuel 
M., 193. 
Van Benthuysen, Jacob, 171. 
Van Blorcum, James, 67. 
Van Bommell, Peter, 113. 
Van Bunschoten, Elias, 95, 102; 

John E., 102. 
Van Buren, Edward L., 331. 
Van Cortland, Augustus, 43; John, 

43. 
Van Dam, Anthony, 43. 
Van de Burgh, Van den Burg, Van 
der Burgh, Bartholomew, 98; 
Colonel, 412; Henry, 15, 50, 51, 
54, 56, 303; James, 31, 69; John, 
41, 69; Margaret, 41; Richard, 
15, 56. 
Vanderbilt, John, 43. 
Van der Bogert, Francois, 62; 
Myndert Harmense, 33, 34, 349. 
Van Dyck, the Rev. Dr. Henry, 65, 
67-69, 77, 85, 86, 88, 92, 96, 97, 
270-273, 311 321, 357, 359, 360, 
870, 371, 899-417; Mrs. Henry, 
271, 416; Richard, 273. 
Van Horn, the Rev. Frederick, 106, 

107. 
Van Keuren, Mrs. John, 230. 
Van Kleeck, Aswarus, 41; Baltus, 
Balthus, 15, 54, 69, 356; Barent, 
41; Edgar M., 195, 203, 209, 245, 
307, 327; Mrs. Edgar M., 230, 
247, 327, 338; Elizabeth, 209; 
George M., 153, 176. 193-195, 203, 
209, 247, 303, 306, 309, 327; 
Mrs. George M., 327; Miss 
Helen, 226, 231, 237, 238, 240, 
241; Miss Irene, 230, 238, 240; 
Isaac, 95; James L., 128, 171; 
James Livingston, 95; Jane, 67, 
69, 102; John, 41, 69; John H., 
247; Lawrence, 15, 154; Law- 
rence B., 15; Lawrence I., 171; 
Leonard, 15; Myndert, 15, 54, 
67, 69, 93, 95, 102, 352, 357, 358, 
360, 370; Peter, 27, 41; Peter B., 
41, 67, 69; Robert, 194, 195, 231- 
233, 247, 251, 306, 309, 310, 326; 
Mrs. Robert, 225, 230, 231, 233, 
237, 240; Sarah, 203; Theodore, 
209, 213. 
Van Ness, Garret B., 131, 386-388, 

398; Jacob, 171. 
Van Steenbarck, John, 54. 



Van Vlack, Reuben, 243. 

Van Vliet, Benjamin C, 153, 163, 

191, 192, 194, 311, 313; Isaac B., 

209, 315; Mrs. Isaac B., 240; 

Dr. Isaac F., 295; John R., 209, 

315; Miss Mary, 315; Mrs. 

Susan B., 247; Mrs., 203. 
Van Voorhees, Jacob, 43, 357* 

Stephen, 41. 
Van Wagenen, Miss Elizabeth, 209; 

Hubert, 82, 193, 208, 303, 309; 

John. 209; John W., 186; Mrs., 

203. 
Van Wagener, John, 63. 
Vassar, John Guy, 337. 
Vaughn, Miss Nannie L., 234, 240. 
Velie, Baltus, 41; Myn-dert, 41. 
Veltman, Hiram, 171. 
Vemont, Jean Pierre, 85; John 

Peter, 67, 113; John P., 69, 85, 

95, 102, 131, 305. (See De 

Vemont.) 
Verplanck, Daniel C, 89, 361; 
Samuel, 69, 70, 102, 348; William 
B., 95. 
Von Tiling, Mrs. J. H. M. A., 238, 

240. 
Vredenburgh, Miss Mary, 247. 

Wadsworth, Jonathan, 153, 157, 

171. 
Wainwright, the Rt. Rev. J. M., 290. 
Waldron, Joseph J., 160, 171. 
Wallhead, Frank, 243; Harry, 242, 

243; Mrs. Harry, 233, 237, 240. 

Walsworth, Benjamin, 54. 

Ward, Mrs. Owen (Josephine M. 

Doughty), 230, 234, 240, 246; 

Mrs. William T., 240; ( ? ), 171. 

Warner, Charles, 160; Richard, 15, 

54, 67. 84, 102; Thomas, 67. 
Washington, General, 114. 
Watts, John, 41. 
Weeks, Zophar, 85. 
Weikert, the Rev. Samuel A., 238, 
235, 254, 260, 296, 297, 324, 334; 
Mrs. Samuel A., 234, 297. 
Weills, the Rev. J. C. S., 334. 
Wesley, Walter, 232, 243. 
West, William F., 243. 
Weyant, Minnie, 331. 
Wheaton, the Hon. Charles, 210, 
290; Mrs. Charles, 290; the Rev. 
Homer, 98, 163, 166, 167, 169, 
172, 174-177, 180, 188-193, 206- 
208, 214, 250, 288-290, 298, 317, 
322, 324; Mrs. Homer (Louisa 



439 



Index to Persons 



Smith), 175, 288; Isaac S., Ist, 

176, 290; Isaac S., 2d, 290. 
Whipple, the Rt. Rev. Henry B., 

227. 
White, Henry, 43; the Rt. Rev, 

William, 78-80, 277, 323. 
Whiten, Mrs. Ellen, 247. 
Whittingham, the Rt. Rev. W. R.. 

292. 
Wickham, Daniel H., 43. 
Wigg, John, 95. 
Wilev, Richard, 171, 305; Miss, 

230. 
Wilkinson, George, Jr., 243, 314; 

Miss May C, 240, 241; Richard, 

54, 304; Robert, 163; Robert F.. 

247. 
Willemy, Joseph, 84. 
WiUett, Egbert, 353; Elbert, 353, 

357. 
Williams, Mrs. Charles, 228, 230; 

the Rt. Rev. Charles D., 241; 

Mrs. Frank, 236; James L., 247, 

251, 331, 334; Mrs. James L., 230; 

Miss .Jessie, 240; Pierre G., 243; 

Robert, 95, 102, 113, 131; Robert 

S., 210; Miss Sarah E., 240; 

Thomas, 160, 171; William D., 

98; Mrs., 84. 
Willoughby, 157, 158. 
Wilmer, the Rt. Rev. Richard 

Hooker, 206, 291; the Rev. Dr. 

William H., 291. 
Wilson, Archibald, 210; Mrs. Henry 

T., 331; .James Grant. 46; John, 

62, 102; Mrs., 171. 
Wiltsie, Hiram S., 232, 233, 307, 

309, 334; Martin, 70, 347, 348; 

Mrs. Jeromus, 230, 251. 
Winans, James, 54. 
Winslow, Miss Margaret, 230. 
Wise, Mrs., 230. 
Wirsch, John, 247. 



Wolfif, William, 243. 

Wolven, E., 232. 

Wood. Charles F., 238, 240; Mrs. 

Charles F., 238, 240; George, 247; 

Henry, 243, 247, 314; Isaac, 67, 

84; Jesse, 67; John, 43; John 

H., 176; Dr. Louis C, 243; Mrs. 

Louis C, 240; Miss Mary, 237; 

Mary, 67; ( ? ), 131. 
Woodin, Miss Marv E., 226, 231, 

233, 234, 238, 240; Mrs. William 

R., 240; Mrs., 210. 
Woodruff, Frederick, 157, 171, 210; 

Maria, 176. 
Woodward, John, 43. 
Wooley, George W., 160; Thomas, 

54. 
Woolsey, Melancthon Lloyd, 55, 67, 

69, 102, 304, 351, 352, 412. 
Worrall, Benjamin, 210; John, 176; 

William, 157; William H., 171; 

Mrs., 203. 
Wright, Amaziah, 171, 305, 309; 

the Rev. Dr. D. Grosvenor, 186, 

210; the Rev. George, 413; Miss 

Jeannie C. (Mrs. Edward H. 

Parker), 227; Mrs. Jere V., 230; 

William, 243; Dr., 171. 
Wrigley, Walter, 243; Mrs. Walter, 

240. 

Yelverton, Mrs. Fleming, 230; Mrs. 

Julia G., 247, 251; Mrs., 171. 
Young, Henry L., 247; Thomas C, 

243. 

Ziegenfuss, the Rev. Dr. Henry L., 
177, 196, 199, 215, 218-220, 222- 
225, 227, 233, 244, 249, 250, 252- 
254, 260, 293-296, 299, 300, 316, 
324, 328, 331, 334; Mrs. Henry 
L. (Ella Van Vliet), 230, 295. 



440 



«' 



f;;^,; 



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Published for the 

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